Like any other country, Australia has national days that are mandatory for all its people to observe. Made up of many regions, cities and towns, this country has one particular day that is marked in style wherever one looks. This is Australia Day which is also called Anniversary Day or Foundation Day, marked every 26th January. This important day has great significance to the nationals as it commemorates the landing of First Fleet which carried the people who were to establish the premier European colony in the country.
While residents of other regions hold family meetings, parties, picnics and barbeques, the Ballina people have their own way of making the special. They have a way of holding community festivals and concerts that make them stand out from the rest as they mark what is arguably the biggest annual civic ceremony in the country. Take the 2011 celebrations for instance.
A special presentation about the aviation and military history was planned with the climax being an air show of a Commonwealth aircraft that was christened ‘Winjeel’ which is Aboriginal for ‘Young Eagle’. The fly past took place at the Ballina Amphitheatre, which understandably was flooding with patriotic citizens. The ‘Winjeel’, which is actually a CA-25, was a type of aircraft that the Commonwealth Aircraft Corp developed in the late 1940s. Not many CA-25s were built and the production shut down at the 64th aircraft. The main use of this machine was to train all levels of pilot duties. It was especially employed to teach new pilots flight navigation and aerobatics. It was also used to mark targets during the war for the real fighter aircrafts to attack. No wonder the Ballina residents and the tourists in the area jammed the Amphitheatre to witness it!
Of course the celebrations had other activities. The Ballina Shire Concert Band opened the day with beautiful presentations that left the attendees asking for more. Local celebrity Lisa Hunt, a renowned, soulful singer also took to the podium much to the happiness of all. To ensure that the day remained in their minds for a long time to come, the planners had organised East Ballina Lions Club BBQ. The planners are wise to remind the attendees that the day was supposed to be alcohol-free so that it can be a whole family event.
Visitors had the time of their life as aboriginal displays were there as well; from art to their written history. What more could a tourist who has always wanted to know about the traditional life of Australians ask for? The face painting activities were especially entertaining for the little ones. Situated in the New South Wales region of Australia, Ballina is also a holiday city with visitors flocking to it all year-round.
It is such celebrations as the Australia Day’s that make visitors want to come back year after year. January is actually part of the peak tourist season which starts in December. It is important for anyone who wants to attend such celebrations in Ballina to make plans early to avoid disappointments. Motels Ballina are in plenty and especially suited for anyone who is on a drive through in the region. The Avalon Gardens Motel is definitely worth a visit if you decide to head over to Australia Day celebrations in the area. Of course, with all the right facilities and the most attractive rates in the region, the Avalon Gardens Motel is perfect for a holiday with the whole family. So, get your bags ready and head on to Ballina this Australia Day!
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