Celebrating at Tongala’s Australia Day were Vanessa and Justin Campbell (back) with Logan, 9, Amber, 7, Ethan, 9, and Reece, 5.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Tongala’s rich sporting connection was on full display at the town’s Australia Day celebration, with sporting stars making a special guest appearance at the ceremony.
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The January 26 celebration was held at Tongala Memorial Hall and was attended by over 100 community members, who made it out despite the sweltering summer heat.
Georgina Hacon charmingly emceed the formal proceedings, introducing the Tongala Girl Guides as they presented the flags, and Jodie Weeks, who performed Advance Australia Fair on the piano.
Ms Hacon then welcomed home Tongala's own Corey Nexhip and his fiancée, national netball champion Elle McDonald, who shared their remarkable journey from local courts to international sporting success.
Mr Nexhip spoke about following Ms McDonald to the UK and the opportunities that came about, while also grappling with feelings of missing home and easing back into life in Tongala.
Ms McDonald spoke about her journey in netball, from the school asphalt courts to moving up the ranks in the Victorian Netball League and eventually playing in two clubs in the Suncorp Super Netball League.
When the formal proceedings finished, families and friends spread across the community centre to enjoy the festivities.
Community members participated in classic Australian games, from gumboot throwing to hilarious egg and spoon races.
Kids were also able to get up close and personal with animals at the petting zoo provided by Billabong Ranch.
The Tongala Lions extended thanks to everyone who contributed to this successful celebration, particularly the local businesses and community organisations whose support made the day special.
Journalist Jemma Jones was at the event on Monday, capturing all the Australia Day fun.
Ian Child and Ross Taylor wearing matching Australia Day hats.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Jagga Erdenechimeg with son Temuujin, 2, and Lucinda Scott, staying cool at the hydration station.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Robbie Graham, Lesley Robinson and Lorna McConnell welcomed people to the celebrations.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kayla Dempsey carrying Carter Newman, 3, with Anthony Newman at the petting zoo.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Tongala Girl Guides carry in the flags for the ceremony.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Guest speakers Corey Nexhip and Elle McDonald discussed their sporting journeys.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Tongala Girl Guides Catherine McKenner, 13, and Sharlotte Emmett, 16, with unit leaders Mel Emmett and Nina Slade.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Campaspe Shire councillor John Zobec and Chris Andrews.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Guest speakers Corey Nexhip and Elle McDonald.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Georgina Hacon was the emcee for the formal proceedings.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
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