Australia Day gathering for the Nambucca Valley celebrated at Unkya Reserve, Eungai Creek Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley News Photo Gallery by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 4, 2022 Having a great time at the Australia Day Gathering at Eungai Creek were Dakota Hastie, Lucy Taylor, Samuel Taylor and Blake Hastie. THE official Australia Day gathering for the Nambucca Valley this year took place at the Unkya Reserve, Eungai Creek. The theme for this year was ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate – We’re all part of the story’. A large number of locals from all over the Nambucca Valley and adjoining districts turned up for a day of fun, delicious food and great music. The day got underway ‘officially’ with a Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Martin Ballangarry OAM and a Welcome to Country by Aunty Raelene Ballangarry. The Mayor of the Nambucca Valley, Cr Rhonda Hoban OAM, addressed the gathering and said, “Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on the positives and the negatives of the past, be thankful that we are here in the Nambucca Valley and look to make a better future.” The official Australia Day Ambassador to the Nambucca Valley this year was former Superbike World Champion Warwick Nowland. Warwick’s engaging personality and fascinating stories delighted the crowd at Eungai Creek. For those who were on the hunt for a bargain there were many market stalls to choose from however the most popular stall of the day was the free balloon sculptures and glitter tattoos that the kids could not get enough of. Many of those gathered took the opportunity to learn traditional Gumbaynggirr basket weaving under the skilled tutelage of Aunty Lauren Jarrett. President of the Unkya Reserve Committee, Lisa Hall, told News of the Area, “Considering the threat of wet weather and Covid concerns, I am delighted with the turnout and consider today to be a great opportunity for all of our community to gather together in this wonderful part of Australia.” By Mick BIRTLES Nambucca Valley Mayor, Cr Rhonda Hoban OAM, addressing the gathering. Uncle Martin Ballangarry OAM opened the Australia Day Unkya Reserve with a Smoking Ceremony. The official Australia Day Ambassador to the Nambucca Valley, former Superbike World Champion Warwick Nowland, fascinated the crowd. Aunty Lauren Jarrett teaches traditional Gumbaynggirr basket weaving to Dell Goodwin and Patricia Gucnan. Atikah Scott of Eungai Rail took the opportunity to write down her reflections on Australia Day. The wonderful Unkya Reserve team who kept the canteen running on Australia Day were (L-R) Kim Massingham, Lee Maddok, Ros Bannister and Jai Bonnefin. The Yarrahapinni Branch of the CWA had a popular stall at the gathering. (L-R) Cherry Bambling, Margret Breusal, Pam Rogers, Diana Oaks and Barbra Veness. President of the Unkya Reserve Committee Lisa Hall and Uncle Martin Ballangarry OAM at the Australia Day Gathering at Eungai Creek.
