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Mathoura and Moama celebrate Australia Day

William Gulliver, Matilda Eddy, Katelyn Eddy and Sophie Eddy proudly waved their flags. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Mathoura and Moama community members gathered on Sunday for a shared breakfast and an Australia Day ceremony.

The morning kicked off at 9am at Mathoura Memorial Park with a barbecue breakfast and egg-and-bacon rolls.

The ceremony then followed at 9.45am, led by councillors Kylie Berryman and Bianca Hurn.

After the flags were raised, Mathoura local Lily Gulliver shared her migration story, moving from Ethiopia to Dubai, where she met her Australian husband, eventually following him to Australia.

Dottie Wilson and Emily McLaren raised the flags. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Mrs Gulliver said after purchasing the Mathoura Post Office in 2015, they had become part of the community.

“We bought the post office 10 years ago... I didn’t know anybody here in Mathoura,” she said.

“Now all my family is in Mathoura, I know everybody and it makes me happy every time they come into the post office.”

Lily Gulliver shared her journey of how she came to live in Australia. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

After Mrs Gulliver’s speech, Australia Day Awards were presented.

Cr Berryman and Cr Hurn recognised two individuals and two groups from Mathoura and Moama for their work and contributions to the community, including:

  • Young Citizen of the Year - Katelyn Eddy
  • Young Sportsperson of the Year - Connor Wilson
  • Community Event of the Year - Run Echuca Moama
  • Arts and Culture Award - Echuca Moama Theatre Group
Katelyn Eddy with her award. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Although Connor Wilson could not attend the ceremony, his aunty Dottie Wilson accepted the award on his behalf and shared a message from Connor, thanking those who contributed to his success.

Dottie Wilson accepted the award on behalf of Connor Wilson. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

CLRS Chief Executive Leah Taaffe gave thanks to the community on behalf of the Run Echuca Moama committee.

“We want to say thank you to the community for the nomination,” she said.

“We love where we live and we’re so blessed to have so many people help us out on the day — we have 70 volunteers and around 600 people participate... we hope to make that 1000 in 2025.”

Run Echuca Moama organisers Leah Taaffe and Gillian Noelker. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Darcy Elliot, president of the Echuca Moama Theatre Group, also extended his heartfelt appreciation for the award on the group’s behalf.

“We are very grateful to be nominated and very thankful to receive this award,” he said.

Echuca Moama Theatre Group members Lesley Robins, Darcy Elliot, Wendy Bennett and Claire Copp. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

“We are heading into our 50th year this year as an organisation, which is a massive achievement.

“It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate that and have members from the ages of five years old all the way up to their 80s and 90s.”

The ceremony concluded with a lucky raffle draw and messages of thanks from the councillors.

Celebrating were (front) Trevor and Peta Berryman, (back) Wendy Bennett, Lesley Robins, Claire Copp and Darcy Elliot. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Mathew Bentley and Robyn and Kevin Pope with their dog, Ralph, at the Australia Day event. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Mathoura and Moama residents enjoyed the ceremony out in the sun. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Darcy Elliot, president of the Echuca Moama Theatre Group. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Leah Taaffe gave thanks to the community on behalf of the Run Echuca Moama committee. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Noel Scott attended in his 1960 Holden station wagon. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Cr Kylie Berryman and Cr Bianca Hurn led the ceremony. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Everyone joined in to sing the national anthem. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
There was a good turnout for the Australia Day ceremony. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Attendees found spots in the shade to enjoy the ceremony. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Anne Scott was the lucky winner of the raffle. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Darcy Elliot accepted the Arts and Culture award on behalf of the Echuca Moama Theatre Group. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Dottie Wilson shared some words from Connor Wilson, who was unable to attend. Photo by Lua Ikenasio