A TANTANOOLA couple is again staging an annual event to maintain the community spirit of their home town.
Members of the Tantanoola community first came together to mark Australia Day with an informal lunchtime event in the central parklands in 2009.
Well-known residents Bruce and Arvan Carthew have again taken it upon themselves to organise the Australia Day celebrations for the 12th consecutive year in 2020.
“You have to keep the town alive,” Ms Carthew said.
“I will again be approaching the campers and the motorhomes people in the parklands to join us.”
The event starts at noon and is designed to allow community members to attend other Australia Day breakfast across the region.
There are children’s activities such as novelty races, the mystery search for the hidden Tantanoola Tiger, scavenger hunt and the Golden thong-tossing championship.
Although there are barbecue facilities, participants have to bring along their own meat, drinks, salads, sweets and chairs.
In 2013, Wattle Range Council erected a flagpole in the Tantanoola parklands near the former railway station and also donated an Australian flag for flying on such occasions.
The flagpole and flag were an initiative of then mayor Peter Gandolfi.
Mr Carthew also flies the flag each Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
“I also fly it at half-mast on the day of the funeral for any Tantanoola residents,” Mr Carthew said.
Barbecue breakfasts will be hosted in the Wattle Range Council area by Lions Clubs at four locations from 8am.
Australia Day breakfasts will be held at the Beachport Lagoon Reserve, Kalangadoo’s Riddoch Memorial Institute, Millicent’s Jubilee Park and the Penola War Memorial Park.
The formal Australia Day presentations will be made by council representatives at 9am.
Members of the Southend community are having an informal Australia Day commemoration in 2020
