JADA CANNIZZO
By JADA CANNIZZO*
EARLY bird gets the worm was the motto of the people who arrived at Old Gippstown just before 8am. Or was it to just get a good car spot?
The Moe Lions Club were cooking up a storm under their yellow gazebo, eagerly waiting for everyone to drop by for a bit of breaky.
By about a quarter to 9, more people started strolling in towards the picturesque back drop of the Old Gippstown buildings and the amazing (out of commission) Water Wheel.
“Breakfast is ready,” someone yelled, and everyone began lining up to get their very Australian breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, and baked beans on toast.
The magnificent 350’s Blues Band were playing some classic blues tunes while everyone ate their breaky.
Lindley and Sean, who volunteer at Old Gippstown a few days a week, were dressed in their ‘olden day’ costumes of waistcoats, hats, bonnets, and parasols. Plenty of people were stopping to snap a photo of their amazing costumes.
The formal proceedings began with the president of the Moe Lions Club welcoming everybody, followed by a special flag raising ceremony that was conducted by the Newborough Scouts.
Special guest and esteemed community member, Don Ferguson, said a few words about what it means to be Australian.
“A great day… that we must celebrate because it’s who we are,” said Don, ending his speech with the now classic “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…Oi Oi Oi”.
The Lions Club Citizens of the year were then presented to three people who go above and beyond for the community.
The Junior Citizenship Award was a joint one as it was just too hard to choose. Awarded to Bart Putz – one of the youngest winners of the award – and Jane Dinny for their amazing voluntary work in the community.
The Senior Citizenship Award went to Kay Brooks, which was accepted on her behalf by her son, for the wonderful work that she does for the community.
After the formal proceedings ended, visitors were encouraged to look around Old Gippstown, check out the historic cars on show provided by the Gippsland Historical Automobile Club.
All in all, a great event put on by the community for the community.
*Jada Cannizzo is an intern working with The Latrobe Valley Express.
