THE 100th anniversary of Rook Walk – the largest working bee in the city’s history – will be celebrated this week.
Mount Gambier came to a standstill on November 27, 1918, as more than 2000 people assembled at the Blue Lake to take part in the greatest one-day community effort in the city’s history.
The Rook Walk overlooking the Blue Lake was built in one day by around 800 volunteers, including tradesmen, labourers, bankers and shop assistants.
Three hundred women served three meals to the workers while the Salvation Army and town band played live music.
A public holiday had been declared to build the walkway and hundreds more flocked to the site to watch.
The Mount Gambier History Group and Mount Gambier City Council will deliver a program of events on Tuesday to celebrate the centenary of Rook Walk – 100 years to the day since it was built.
A section of Bay Road will be closed from 8am on Tuesday between the two roundabouts closest to the Blue Lake, with buses arriving at the site from 9am.
A welcome to country will be delivered by Aunty Penny before a welcome speech from Mayor Lynette Martin OAM.
“A plaque unveiling and cake cutting will be followed by three songs performed by Compton Primary School students, who will be dressed in costume,” Mount Gambier History Group member Lynn Lowe said.
“They will sing A Long Way To Tipperary and Your Smile and Pack Up Your Troubles.
“The city band and Salvation Army band will also play music and an exhibition about the story of the Rook Walk will be on display.”
A Rook Walk audio history tour will also feature, with commemorative postcards on sale.
The section of Bay Road adjacent the Rook Walk will reopen at 1.30pm.
All members of the public are welcome to attend.
