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General News

28 December, 2023

Highland Gathering’s 161st event to include blockbuster events, return of Girl on the Drum

Maryborough is set to ring in the new year with the sounds of bagpipes once again with the annual Highland Gathering — with the coming event boasting an increased focus on inclusivity. Entering its 161st year, the event has stood the test of time...

By Prealene Khera

The Maryborough Highland Society’s Nick Weaver, Bruce Kaye and Garry Coburn are set to host the annual Highland Gathering on January 1.
The Maryborough Highland Society’s Nick Weaver, Bruce Kaye and Garry Coburn are set to host the annual Highland Gathering on January 1.

Maryborough is set to ring in the new year with the sounds of bagpipes once again with the annual Highland Gathering — with the coming event boasting an increased focus on inclusivity.

Entering its 161st year, the event has stood the test of time and is not only considered the longest running sporting event of its kind in the country, it also represents a proud part of Maryborough’s history.

It’s expected that huge crowds will roll into Princes Park once again for the New Year’s Day event and with temperatures forecast to sit around 30 degrees for the day, Maryborough Highland Society board president Bruce Kaye said excitement is building.

“I am extremely excited. It is a big effort, a lot of work has gone into it by numerous people over the generations who have passed those skills down to the ones who are at the coalface today,” he said.

“It’s part of the fabric that holds our little town together and I think without it, it would be like taking football season away, it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do.

“That’s why a lot of people dig deep every year and put in the work to make this happen.”

Usual events including the iconic High Street parade, athletics events, strongman, pipe and brass band competitions and highland dancing are all making a return this year.

Unable to run last year, one of the biggest and most unique events to return is the Girl on the Drum spectacle, which Highland Society sports secretary Nick Weaver said is a big deal.

“It’s a shame it didn’t happen last year but we’re really looking forward to it this time and we’re also focusing on safety as well since its the girls’ first time on it.

“The Girl on the Drum has been a part of the event for so many years, it’s exciting — it’s just something that’s unique to this event and it’s something that started here and has continued to grow.”

There will be 10 pipe bands and around 500 athletes competing on the day, in line with the previous event, however in a first in the Highland Gathering’s 160-year history, winnings for both the men’s and women’s gift events are equal.

“The beauty of this year is that we have finally reached our parity with both the men’s and women’s gifts being worth $15,000 each,” Mr Weaver said.

“It’s been fantastic to bring that parity in because you’ve got men and women doing the exact same race, so why shouldn’t they be offered the same gift.

“It has been a goal that we’ve wanted to achieve and now we have.”

A mainstay of the town, Mr Weaver said the Highland Gathering is an event the community owns.

“It's historic here and it’s been around for 161 years, why wouldn't you be part of it? It’s one day of the year where we can come down and just be absolutely amazed with all the athletes we have here. The pipe bands are fantastic as well, they just give you goosebumps,” he said.

“Even though the Highland Society is organising this, the event actually belongs to all of Maryborough.

“We put it on for our community, it’s something that we’re very proud of and it’s something to be proud of.”

For the first time in its history, the event’s street parade will include a pride float, highlighting the event’s increasing inclusivity, something Mill House chair Adrian Masterman-Smith said is a big step forward.

“It’s really significant that this is happening. The Highland Gathering has never had a pride float, so they’re pushing their boundaries a little bit,” he said.

“I think what we’re doing is working towards changing the level of engagement between local clubs and the parade. I’m hoping that if people see pride in that parade then every club, association and sports club will want to put up a float too. So, I’m hoping that the parade will get a little bit more vibrant and more community-focused.

“We’re spreading an important message with this float — which ­is made on Sid Pearson’s truck and we’re grateful he’s letting us use it.

“I think it’s really critical for every community to send out messages that it actually practices inclusion and that it practices diversity. It’s not just something that appears in a planning document somewhere we actually live it and action it everyday.”

As with past years, the street parade through High Street to Princes Park will commence at 11 am, with Highland Dancing competitions taking place from 12.30 pm, pipe band performances at 1.10 and 2.36, Girl on the Drum at 3.55, heavy stones final at 4.50 and the women’s and men’s gifts at 5.36 and 5.46.

The evening concert on the Princes Park oval will get underway at 7 pm, followed by the annual fireworks display over Lake Victoria from 10.

Adrian Masterman-Smith and Skip Pearson in front of the pride float which will be included in the High Street parade on Monday.
Adrian Masterman-Smith and Skip Pearson in front of the pride float which will be included in the High Street parade on Monday.
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