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I would like to suggest that the best place to celebrate Australia Day is in the capital, Canberra. You get to mix with celebs like our GG, Quentin Bryce, Julie of course, the brand new Australians of the Year and most important, Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) who is Australia Day Chairman.  The venue was on the Lake between the War Memorial and Parliament House...pretty shmick location. After about a 20 min walk I did have grand ideas of partaking in the free bacon & egg breakie, but 1,000 other people had the same thought, so went without.  Too bad if you want a free breakie. Join the queue While surveying the scene of the upcoming ceremony I was approached by a young attendant and asked if I would like to take a seat in the official enclosure... probably saw the grey hair and sweat on the brow after the brisk walk and thought it better to get me sitting. Actually they were obviously keen to get all the seats filled after the new Australians and friends were in there! The Defence marching bands and the white lady arrived (Julia Gillard) along with men in black with earplugs and talking into their hands. Quentin Bryce sat next to Courtney Bryce and Gilly seemed very comfortable amongst the luminaries. The ceremony included jet fighters flashing overhead, cannons shooting blanks over the lake and some stirring music. I must say that I was surprise to feel a tear in the eye as we witnessed the families who took the oath and the citizenship certificate from Julia. I even recited the affirmation as an Australian citizen (along with another 4,000 people present) and sang both verses of Advance Australia Fair. Actually, mingling with the crowd after was pretty cool also. I wished Quentin and Julia "happy Australia Day" and spoke with the newest Young Australian of the Year, Marita Cheng. Couldn't catch Geoffrey Rush. Actually, I would recommend Canberra for Australia Day celebration.
4 Comments
Steph
26/1/2012 09:51:36 am
Sounds like an exciting day to be in Canberra. Unfortunately my day was spent at work. I did however spread some Aussie cheer with some ANZAC biscuits which were a big hit. They must have been because there were none left for me! I expect to see lots of people wearing Australian flags at the pub tonight, no doubt.
AL & Av
26/1/2012 12:43:06 pm
Well nice touch Uncle Dave,
Fiona & Norm
26/1/2012 10:23:57 pm
Some people do live in illustrious circles Dave! Sounds fantastic. Our Australia Day was spent doing other things - Norm participated (along with about 3 - 400 other boats) in a sail race from Elwood to Geelong. After I dropped him off early in the morning at Royal Yacht Club in Williamstown which was a real 'buzz' I watched the boats depart for the start over at Elwood, all motored out of the marina then hoisted sail and went off on the same tack - all in a row!! I spent the day doing Aussie things - shopping, but spread the joy in Geelong whilst awaiting his (and the rest of the crews') arrival. A beautiful day and Norm said a 'vigorous' sail down the bay. Morning tea on board was an 'aussie' affair - Anzacs, Passionfruit Yo-Yo's, Raspberry slice and Fruit cake - something for everybody. They obviously didn't starve!! At night we delighted in a BBQ with pizzas, beer and lamb chops!! No 21 gun salutes or officials, but plenty of good will and laughter. - now that is a good Australia Day! Cheers to all.
Alison O'Mara
27/1/2012 02:03:25 am
Happy Australia Day to all. Our day was a little more ordinary than those previously noted. Kev and I spent a sunny day in the garden and then joined Bev and Doug ( fellow tipsters ) to eat a lamb BBQ dinner ( Sam K. would be proud ). We finished the evening watching the Aust. Open Semi to see Nadal beat Federer in a nail biting match. Everyone had a good time! Leave a Reply. |
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September 2012
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