Bairnsdale’s Main Street gardens came alive last Sunday morning, “and so they should” said the president of the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry Trevor Hancock as more than 300 people celebrated Australia Day with breakfast prepared by the Bairnsdale Classic Car Club and the East Gippsland Historic Automobile Club.
For the past six years the local car club fraternity has organised the annual breakfast, taking over after the local Rotary club relinquished its long-term service in this area.
The event has been driven by Max and Valerie Curtis and Peter (Pepe) Petrovich.
Pepe has been responsible for grant money submissions for the event as well as hands on work, but this year it is understood he is away cruising the world.
In typical morning sunshine the proceedings were opened by emcee Peter Neal and Lisa Giblin, who performed the Welcome to Country and received warm acclimation from the crowd for her well considered and thoughtful message.
The East Gippsland Brass Band performed, the local fire brigade came out, Australian whip cracking champion Emiliqua East put on an performance, talented singer Briony Camp sung the national anthem and Russell Heathcote recited some of his poetry.
Local State and Federal MPs Tim Bull and Darren Chester were also given the opportunity to address the celebrating group.
Achievement certificates were awarded to Olympians, rower Paige Barr and skeet shooter Aislin Jones.
Both young Australians were unavailable to attend the day as they were training.
The vibrant and effervescent Emiliqua East also received an award, recognising her achievements.
Local Meerlieu champion James Blandford, who lives in the “middle of everywhere” and described Meerlieu as the “Echuca/Moama of the region”, was awarded citizen of the year for his service to the community involving his presidency of the Meerlieu Hall, vice presidency of the Lindenow Football Netball Club, Captain of the Meerlieu Fire Brigade, coordinating the Meerlieu ANZAC service, past secretary of the Meerlieu Cricket Club and a retired vice president of the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally.
James said he felt chuffed to be a man living in Meerlieu in the Wellington Shire while being awarded in the East Gippsland Shire.
He really does feel like he lives “in the middle of everywhere”.
Junior citizen of the year was awarded to Alfie Simpson who has been fundraising for the homeless by collecting bottles and cans under his own steam. Alfie has touched the hearts of many because of his commitment and persistence to his cause.
Tanner McMillian was awarded youth citizen of the year for his outstanding promotion and fundraising performance for Lyme disease, including his recent Epic Hike for Lyme along the 90 Mile Beach with mate Ed Blandford.
Event of the year was awarded to the always popular Opera by the Lakes at Nyerimilang Heritage Park, driven by Gippsland Opera’s Andrea and Keith Ford.
