AUSTRALIA Day festivities kicked off at the Bendigo Jockey Club last week as attendees braved the heat, with temperatures rising to thirty degrees by 10am.<\/p>\n
After COVID-19 impacts the previous year, stall holder Lola Olsen said it was good to return to selling her flowers at the market held in conjunction with the event, something she\u2019s done for the last 15 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was cancelled last year so it\u2019s so good to be back again and it\u2019s in a beautiful location,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Despite the heat, Ms Olsen said organisers has accounted for Bendigo\u2019s unpredictable weather.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all undercover which is a big help for us,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing in the shade is good for us and good for the customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The annual public event was moved from Lake Weeroona to the racecourse due to COVID restrictions.<\/p>\n
The change of location didn\u2019t put a damper on the day, as thousands turned out to enjoy the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cLake Weeroona is a beautiful place but because of the COVID restrictions we couldn\u2019t get in again, but I\u2019m pretty happy with the setup today,\u201d Ms Olson said.<\/p>\n
The event had something for everyone to enjoy and musician Luke Owens said that relocating the celebration to the Jockey Club was a good idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the change of venue has definitely made it easier for people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a fantastic location, but I think parking is certainly advantageous at the Jockey Club and the facilities, and the room for vendors, make it an overall wholesome experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stalls with food and drinks made it easy for patrons to stay hydrated and energised.<\/p>\n
The event also featured a petting zoo, where families could pat and feed calves, chickens, geese, and goats.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think like each and every year, people come out for a day of good company and the things that make Australia what it is,\u201d Owens said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are coming together which is a large part of what\u2019s been lost the last couple years. Unity and connection are the things we value.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later in the day the Huntly-Epsom community came together at the Huntly Memorial Hall.<\/p>\n
There was a warm feel amongst the attendees, despite the thunderous and rainy conditions on the night.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great to celebrate Australia day. It\u2019s a free tea and we have entertainment as well,\u201d event organiser Geoff Lawry said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t held it for the last two years because of COVID. It\u2019s a good feeling to be back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Poor weather conditions forced the event inside, but that wasn\u2019t enough to dampen the spirits of the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe usually have the event outside in the Garden of Remembrance at Huntly Hall but because of the inclement weather we had to shift into the hall,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The event started with an acknowledgement of country by City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, which was then followed by the national anthem, performed by the Eaglehawk Brass Band.<\/p>\n
Huntly residents were also treated to a performance by local country singer Jo Woodward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AUSTRALIA Day festivities kicked off at the Bendigo Jockey Club last week as attendees braved the heat, with temperatures rising to thirty degrees by 10am. After COVID-19 impacts the previous year, stall holder Lola Olsen said it was good to return to selling her flowers at the market held in conjunction with the event, something […]<\/p>\n