Between the iconic Aussie competitions and the wholesome celebration of local legends, the Gulargambone Australia Day Awards Ceremony knocked it out of the park.
Or more accurately, rolled the paddy melon out of the Lions Park.
On top of the annual awards ceremony and the morning of jam-packed activities, this year a national treasure made his way out to Gular as their Australia day ambassador.
Creative entrepreneur, My Kitchen Rules contestant, Downs Syndrome ambassador, and cultural storyteller Fuzz Ali was invited to share his story and present the awards.
The first-time ambassador enjoyed getting amongst the festivities with the locals.
“The highlight was having the opportunity to spend time with the community,” Mr Ali said.
“The people of the town have really set a high bar for my future experiences, that is undeniable.”
Mr Ali Presented the Citizen of the year to Gill Haling, and Paul Fisher received the Australia Day Award.
The Gulargambone Event of the Year went to the RUOK fundraiser organised by Nadege Peller, and the Group of the ear award went to Gulargambone Jockey Club.
The Junior Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Sailor Ryan.
A free breakfast was on offer for attendees to kick off the day of festivities at 8am, ahead of the award ceremony.
But that was not the only delicious-ness on the menu.
Nothing says Australia like eating watermelon on a hot summers day under the shade of the trees at the local Lions Park.
The annual watermelon eating contest drew in kids from across town, where everyone with a slice in their hand was a winner.
The volunteer Australia Day organisers also held a rabbit trap relay, paddy melon bowls and a gumboot throwing competition.
A horse drawn carriage ride was also on offer, which showcased the town’s sights, attractions and local hotspots.
Mr Ali was quick to put his hand up for the sight-seeing tour with Sam Taylor in his horse drawn carriage.
“He loved his horse ride,” Gulargambone’s Australia Day committee Secretary Treasurer, Daphne Earsman, said.
“It was a lovely day.”
Over 100 attendees joined in on the fun at the Lions Park, and the event wrapped up around midday before the heat settled in.
The Coonamble Shire Council funded the Gulargambone Australia Day Awards event.
The following day, Gulargambone Swimming Pool hosted the ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’ Pool Party from 2pm.
Activities, games and a barbeque were on offer for families joining in the fun.
[More in next week’s edition.]