Hallidays Point Australia Day 2018

Residents turned out in full force in support of the tradition, with many jumping into the ocean pool for a quick dip before the ceremony began. A couple of dolphins also ventured in to see what all the fuss was about, putting on a display for early arrivals.

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Hallidays Point Lions Club put on a feast, with sausages sizzling from 7am, before MC veteran John Finnie took to the stage to kick start proceedings with acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Hallidays Point resident Ronald Smith received a special acknowledgement, after being awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Australia Day 2018 Honours List.

MidCoast Councillor Katheryn Bell gave an address, commending the Hallidays Point community on their dedication to the ceremony.

“You can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to be here,” she said. 

“To mateship, to a sunburnt country and to a fair go.”

Following this, Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead gave a speech, saying that although we live in a great country, the secret is that we live in the very best place of the very best state in the very best country. 

“This community is built on volunteering, Australia wouldn’t be so rich or so good without that and without the people who contribute,” he said.

The Australian flag was raised by Hallidays Point Lions Club president Gerard Cross, with the help of the Diamond Beach Rural Fire Service, while the Australian Anthem was sung, lead by Josh, Zanthie and Grace, who were on holiday from Sydney.

The Hallidays Point Australia Day ambassador, long-term resident Trevor Cupitt was introduced, and pondered whether he had been selected for the honour because of his contribution to the community, or simply because it was his 85^th birthday.

“For whatever reason it is, I feel honoured,” he added.

“I asked my two granddaughters what they thought Australia Day represented. The 13 year old said it was like a birthday party when everyone got together and enjoyed themselves, and the 10 year old believed it was to remember the landing of the First Fleet.

“Both are correct, but I believe it is the national day where we acknowledge the contribution of people in this community and recognise the unselfish efforts of all those who have made a significant impact on improving our social, religious, sporting, educational and cultural pursuits and make the area one that I have loved so much.

“On Australia Day, our national day, we celebrate all the things we love and cherish about the Australian way of life, the sense of a fair go, freedom, diversity, democracy and particularly our people, no matter what their cultural roots were. Remember, Australia Day is every day.”

As the last order of business, Lions Club president Gerard Cross announced the Hallidays Point Lions citizen of the year award, which was presented to Black Head Surf Life Saving Club personality Terry Aldridge. 

Terry kept his speech short, stating that he was very humbled by the honour, before congratulating the other nominees.

“I’m not great on speeches, I’d rather just do some work,” he added.

Terry is a hands-on club member and club administrator, who has held many positions in the Black Head SLSC, including president, vice president, treasurer, director of junior activities and director of competition. He has been an instructor and trainer since 1968 and has trained many lifesavers in that time. 

When he can manage to fit it in around surf lifesaving, Terry runs a successful tiling business and is affectionately known as ‘Terry the tiler’ all around the district.