What better way to show our solidarity with those who have suffered so much over the past few weeks through the disruption such widespread flooding has caused, than to pass round the hat at Tassie’s Northern Midlands Australia Day celebration held this year at Poatina. We have an Australia Day festival here each year which is always well patronised, but it was great to see our numbers swell even more as official Australia Day awards were presented by the mayor and local politicians.
While all the activities rolled on, from kid’s games to the Hole in One, Karaoke, Gumboot tossing, always a favourite and a laugh to watch, sausage sizzle, face painting, wind tunnel, jumping castle, bubble blowing, cake stall, and the gruelling Great Wheelbarrow Race, the donation buckets kept filling. By the end of the day $2000 had been raised for flood victims, a wonderful result and a great way to support those affected.
“Sunflower” the clown came into the office where I was stationed to take a break between entertaining the kids, and of course, what do you do at the end of a long tiring day. Put your feet up? Nah! Keep on goin’ and have a good old bush dance. At that point I made my exit and headed home, didn’t have quite that much energy.
I love seeing families come out on these occasions, watching the adults warm to the occasion and join in the fun as their children get excited, discovering you really can have a good day out just doing simple things together. With all activities free, parents find it a nice change from having to shell out copious amounts of cash to keep the kids amused.
The amazing generosity of spirit which has come to the fore during the floods has been a delight to see. For those in dire straits and those feeling overwhelmed, it has kept them going knowing that so many care about their plight. It’s a shame it takes such a disaster to bring it home, but there is a lot of goodwill out there. Looking beyond our own needs will always reap benefits, not only for those around us but for us as well.
Aussie mateship is alive and well, and has been shown, given extraordinary circumstances, that it is not only reserved for those close to us, but can also be shared with those whom we don’t even know through incredible acts of courage and compassion.
Happy
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