SITTING by the lake snacking on a picnic and sausage sizzle with family and friends – there are few better ways to celebrate Australia Day, and that’s what a large crowd of revellers did last Thursday at Lake Boga.
Lake Boga Lions Club member David Mark was elated with the big turnout, which he described as the largest in years.
“It went really well – the crowd was excellent – we had 120 people, which is our best turnout for several years, and it was so nice just to have everyone celebrating Australia Day with us and enjoying the beautiful weather on the lake,” he said.
“We had a lot of outside people come in from Swan Hill, and as usual, our locals turned up and supported us.
“The Scouts ran a barbecue to raise money for their jamboree, and six members of the Leos Club ran a tea and coffee station, which was a great help.”
Huss Mustafa, a prominent member of the Australian multicultural community, was the event’s Australia Day Ambassador.
Mr Mark said he was highly enlightening.
“Our ambassador Huss was very insightful – a lovely man – and an active member of the multicultural community.
“He was very interested in talking to us about our multicultural and agricultural communities.”
Mr Mustafa migrated to Australia on Melbourne Cup Day 1968 from Cyprus and is proud to call himself Australian.
“We are privileged to live in a nation where we can all have our views, values and beliefs,” he said.
“I am very proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador because I strongly believe that Australia is still the lucky country and land of opportunity for all those who live in this great nation of ours, and I am living proof of this.”
Josh Kelly was named Lake Boga Citizen of the Year 2023 for his continuing active community work.
Mr Kelly is the captain of the Lake Boga Fire Brigade and was a pivotal member of the team helping assist the community during the 2022 floods.
Mr Kelly is also heavily involved with the Lake Boga Water Sports Club and Lake Boga Primary School.
The 2023 Junior Citizen of the Year was Macca Neil.
The Meatian 16-year-old attends Swan Hill College and is strongly involved in the Lake Boga football, cricket and bowls clubs.
He is also an active member of the scouts, receiving high awards and teaching junior scouts.
The Lions were awarded the Lake Boga Event of the Year 2023 title for their Art and Photography Exhibition held at the town’s flying boat museum in February.
Mr Mark said the award came as a surprise to all.
“Our president Robyn Howarth who was the driving force behind it, was very chuffed,” he said.
“It came right out of the blue, and we didn’t even know it was nominated.
“The judging panel received an entry direct and were very happy to be recognised for that lovely exhibition, which is coming up again in 2023.”
