An Evening and Full Day of Celebration in Echuca Moama
Rotary Echuca Moama’s Australia Day Committee Chair decided to change the format of Australia Day 2022 to encompass a full day of celebration. The day followed a formal dinner held the previous evening.
Following a Welcome to Country by Uncle Rick Ronan who does this each year, the Echuca Scouts performed an early morning flag-raising ceremony which was accompanied by a spectacular flyover by the vintage planes of the Echuca Aero Club. Then the day of entertainment began at the soundshell in Moama. Australia Day Ambassador for 2022, Neil Soullier OAM, CEO and founder of the Blue Ribbon Foundation addressed the audience. MC, Jack Norris, Young Citizen of the Year in 2021, did a tremendous job. 
The involvement of young Australians continued with undoubtedly the highlight of the day, Abbey Williams with the voice of an angel singing the Australian National Anthem accompanied, by Emily signing (see photo). Abbey had driven up from her home in Melbourne. Emily is just 12 years of age. Abbey and Emily had also sung at the dinner on the preceding night. Considering the COVID situation and the heat on the day, the outcome for the event was very successful and was a great stage to showcase Rotary.
The involvement of young Australians continued with undoubtedly the highlight of the day, Abbey Williams with the voice of an angel singing the Australian National Anthem accompanied, by Emily signing (see photo). Abbey had driven up from her home in Melbourne. Emily is just 12 years of age. Abbey and Emily had also sung at the dinner on the preceding night.As part of the celebrations, seven new Australian citizens were welcomed into Australia and the Echuca Moama community by Mayor Cr. Chrissy Weller and presented with a certificate and a native plant.
Included in the festivities was a free breakfast provided by the Echuca Alex Club, thanks to a generous donation from Rotary. The formalities were followed by an art exhibition and a vintage car show. There was face painting, an active scouting display, men’s shed with display and sales. A Skate Park competition was sponsored by a local business with great prizes.