The Southend Progress Association is celebrating after its successful second family fun day for Australia Day. Starting in 2020, this year’s event was again held at Western Beach and attended by almost 200 people. Event organiser Sandra Young said one of the highlights of the day was Mayor Des Noll and his wife Shari judging the sandcastle competition.
“The sandcastle and sand sculpture competition was a hit again this year with 14 entries which were wonderful with such creations as a sea star, shark, flower, pirate ship, turtles, traditional castles and a complete farm layout,” she said.
“It is an ideal way of capturing your imagination and creating something beautiful out of natural materials. Thank you to all parents and grandparents who supported their children in their creative endeavour.” Ms Young said the event had plenty of support from the community.
“There was a free barbecue, drinks and watermelon, funded by the Wattle Range Council and Millicent Lions cooked delicious doughnuts that were also free,” she said. “Activities included buried treasure for the 7yrs and under, where a shell with a number was unearthed which corresponded to an Australia Day prize. All participants went away happy with a flag, pinwheel, hat, glasses or a clip-on koala.
“A new event was the fisherman’s boot throwing competition – there were 15 entries for the under 13yrs category and 18 entries for the over 13yrs and adult category. “It was run by Scott Redman and it was a very successful event. All participants had a lot of fun and were supported by family and friends.”
Ms Young said the council had funded the prizes for the events, with others donated by Bronwyn and Craig Clark. “Overall, it was great afternoon spent at the beach, socialising and having family fun and above all, respecting who we are as a nation,” she said.
“Both the Australian flag and the Aboriginal flag flew for the first year, as a second flagpole was recently erected thanks to a grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs and the installation by Wattle Range Council.
“Thanks to the SPA committee members and their families who volunteered and Big Trev and John Stuckey from Millicent Lions who cooked the doughnuts.”
