General News
25 January, 2025
Rotarians welcome all to Aus Day
Australia Day is a significant event for Warracknabeal and the surrounding district.
As life settles after a busy year and holiday season for many, it’s good for the community to come together to celebrate the good in our diverse community and country and to share the start of the new year.
A perfect opportunity is provided by the Warracknabeal and District Australia Day morning in the picturesque setting of Warracknabeal Racecourse on Sunday January 26.
It will be a chance to relax, enjoy a chat and also celebrate our district’s vibrant spirit and deep-rooted pride in our history, community, culture and people.
Organiser of the event, the Rotary Club of Warracknabeal, has been busy planning for more than five months and is very happy with the final program.
The day starts at 8am with a cooked breakfast and musical entertainment by our Warracknabeal Men’s Shed musicians, Curl Taylor and Les Patten.
The official program, which starts at 9am, includes the flag parade by Guides, Scouts, Cubs and Joeys; guest speaker, past resident and AFL player Matt Rosa; guest musician Brylie Chivell; and the presentations of local community awards.
We will hear of the inspirational achievements and contributions to our community and beyond by our 2025 awardees, Citizen of the Year Dianne Marchment, Sportsperson of the Year Barry Schilling and Young Achiever of the Year Ava Koschitzke.
A highlight of this year’s event will be the recognition of our local Wimmera Whippets team, an all-abilities football netball group that has been active in regional and state sport since 2014.
Patrons of the Australia Day event may choose to make a donation to the Whippets on the day (a donations bucket will be at the food servery).
A cheque from audience contributions and the Rotary Club will be presented to Whippet representative, local player and inaugural team member Merryn Baxter.
After the official proceedings there will be a light morning tea.
The Rotary Club is very grateful to the National Australia Day Council for funding to enable this free community event to continue and hopes there will be a big crowd to share the day.
Contributed by Wendy Hewitt