General News
29 January, 2024
Crowd gathers for Australia Day event in Carisbrook
“It’s just lovely. Even though I don’t live in Carisbrook I’m still associated with the town through working with The Mercury.”
The importance of community spirit and reflection on the things that make Australia special as a nation were key themes at Carisbrook’s Australia Day celebrations on Friday.
More than 100 people gathered at Market Reserve for the event, which included live music and a barbecue put on by the Carisbrook Lions Club.
Tilly Aston Achievement Awards were presented to Geoff Lucas and Thea Allan, while Sue Purchas was awarded with the Jack O’Connor Mayor of the Day award. All awards recognise long-term contributions to the local community through volunteering.
Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre president Tony Macer emceed the event, which included speeches from Tullaroop Ward Councillor Anna De Villiers and Australia Day ambassador and winner of Maryborough’s 2023 Australia Day Award for Young Citizen of the Year Hannah Lanfranchi. Cr De Villiers’ speech was interspersed with singalongs to make a point about some of the cultures that helped found Carisbrook in its earliest days.
Jack O’Connor Mayor of the Day award winner, Sue Purchas said she was honoured to have been chosen for the award as it provided her with another connection to a much-loved community figure.
“This was Jack’s idea to get this stage,” she said of the Jack O’Connor Performance Stage on which the event was held.
“As a music group and associated with music in the community we had fundraisers and worked our butts off to get this. And to see it here being used for the community for so many things, it’s a continuation of Jack’s vision.”
Tilly Aston award winner Thea Allan was surprised when her name was called out.
“I had no idea I’d been nominated,” she said.
“It’s just lovely. Even though I don’t live in Carisbrook I’m still associated with the town through working with The Mercury.”
Geoff Lucas hadn’t realised he’d been nominated for an award until he spotted a few of his relatives from Melbourne in the audience at the event.
“If I had have known I would have written up a speech,” he said.
“It really blew me away. I’m very humbled and honoured to receive such an award.”
Guests were invited to Geoka Garden, located across the road from Market Square, for Devonshire teaafter the event.