It went very well indeed, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.
- John Baird
HUNDREDS of Greater Bendigo residents flocked to Australia Day celebrations held throughout the city on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Goornong Swimming Pool hosted 120 people for a gourmet lunch of roast pork, lamb, gravy and salads.
Swimming Pool committee president Sam Ellis said they had long moved on from simple snags and white bread.
Kangaroo Flat Lions Club hosted one of the larger celebrations with several hundred turning up for meat, bacon, and some 'Australasian tunes' supplied by the Emu Creek Band.
Long time Kangaroo Flat Fire Brigade member Ken Devereaux was honoured for his service to the community.
Lions Club member John Baird said attendance was lower than previous years but it was a great day.
"It went very well indeed, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves," Mr Baird said.
In Elmore, 240 gathered to enjoy poetry recitals and music from the Bendigo Highland Pipe Band.
Elmore Progress Association secretary Jennifer Crust said the day was a success.
About 200 turned out to the Huntly event, which featured a free barbecue, face painting and the Eaglehawk Brass Band.
Bendigo Citizen of the Year Penelope Davies said she had a busy day because she attended events in Kangaroo Flat, Lake Weeroona and Huntly.
Dr Davies said her aim this year was to support her two major passions: education and health.
This will include continuing in her role as chair of the the Bendigo Tertiary Education Anniversary Foundation and building on the $1 million she has already raised to support students at La Trobe University. Dr Davies will also raise awareness about cystic fibrosis.
