Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Happiness Or Hatred? (Editor's Note)

What feelings does Australia Day evoke within you?

Is it of pride for the nation you love, or of sadness for the Indigenous who feel that a celebration of the day they coined ‘Invasion Day’ is disrespectful? Perhaps you feel a little bit of both.

For me, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the past and celebrate today. I used the day to learn a little bit about Indigenous culture that I didn’t know previously before enjoying some time at the beach and cooking a BBQ.

Perhaps the biggest controversy for me is when it comes to Australia Day desserts. I’ll admit it, I don’t like lamingtons. See, I said it would be controversial. Secondly, I believe the pavlova is a Kiwi dessert. Ooooh, perhaps the biggest dessert debate of them all! I like to have a laugh over that one.

Another Australia Day tradition I enjoy is attending the Mackay Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards every year. It’s an incredibly inspirational evening to hear about the people in our region who selflessly do so much for the community. Congratulations to this year’s Citizen of the Year, Nigel Dalton, and to all of the winners and nominees who were represented on the night.

Of course, this week was also the week our region’s kids headed back to school. I love to see the juxtaposition of emotions experienced by parents. Some can’t wait for the peace and quiet of having their kids back at school while others mourn the loss of holiday sleep-ins and dread the busy morning rush.

School zones are back to 40km/hr during designated morning and afternoon hours. When you see the signs flashing, slow down and pay attention. A blink of an eye is all it takes for a child to make a fatal mistake.

Amanda

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