I am, you are, we are Australian

AS the classic Australian song written by Bruce Woodley of the Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers played in the background people from all over Corner Inlet and beyond enjoyed a glorious day of fun, food and fellowship.

Australia Day this year was a laid-back affair because Margaret Haycroft who usually does all the organising has had a lot on her plate.

“My husband died 18 months ago,” Margaret explained and then my daughter was diagnosed with cervical cancer.”

“We’re just having a backyard BBQ this year.”

Margaret has been on the Australia Day committee for 33 years and said that all the other committee members have died.

“The young ones are not picking it up,” said Mayor Lorraine Brunt. “We’ve got the same problems in Poowong and Korumburra.”

Corner Inlet resident Scott Bindloss was a nominee for South Gippsland Citizen of the Year and will be added to the Honour Board but there was no official Presentation on Australia Day.

The Lions Club did the BBQ which was a roaring success and the Rotary Club brought all the tables and chairs.

Meg Rogers from the Historical Society said that the garage sale they held on the day was for much needed funds.

“We are a volunteer organisation and we need to boost our income,” she said.

“We also sell calendars with historical scenes that have been very popular.”

The Wool Group’s Josie Nardella and Trudi Richter both from Foster were there with their spinning wheels.

“The wool group has recently celebrated their 40th anniversary,” said Josie.

Regular attendees of the Australia day festivities, Helen and Robert Fulton, decided to move to Foster on Australia Day 2007 after meeting Margaret Haycroft.

“Margaret was so friendly and introduced us to so many people,” Robert explained.

One day when she looked over her fence there they were.

“I did say come and live in Foster but not right next door,” Margaret laughed.

It was a very Australian Australia Day rather then the usual formal one which went down very well with everyone.

Children played fun games while adults chatted, spinners spun, and everyone enjoyed the sausages and beverages.

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