News: Aussie spirit shines

Games and races at Lake Mary Ann a star attraction for Australia Day.

Posted: Monday, 1 February 2016

It was a dawn start for a group of athletes gathering at Lake Mary Ann for a fantastic Australia Day in Tennant Creek.
Locals donned their swimmers, running shoes and bike helmets to compete in the 100m swim, 2km bike ride and 2km run with some participants braving the race as a solo entrant.
Team NAJ took out the top spot (Allan Spence, Jarrod Clark and Andy Dowling) with Tyrone Edgar coming first in the solo racers.
Tennantites then headed up to Battery Hill for a champagne breakfast and official proceedings with the flag raising, singing of the National Anthem and President Barb Shaw conducting the Citizenship Ceremony and Local Government Australia Day Awards.
Refuelled and read for some fun, hundreds of locals then made their way to Lake Mary Ann for an afternoon of novelty Aussie races, including thong throwing, egg catching, leaky bucket race, cold pie eating contest, tug of war and the raft race.
Gerry McCarthy, MLA Barkly, was the MC, keeping the crowds entertained and hosting the games along with Sid Vashist of Catholic Care.
Hosted by Barkly Regional Council, President Barb Shaw said this year’s Australia Day was hectic with official and formal functions as well as fun activities with family and friends.
“So many locals came along and took part this year,” said President Shaw. “The morning breakfast and official ceremony, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular. This year there was standing room only for some guests.”
Volunteers, councillors and council staff slaved over a hot barbecue plate all day for the free sausage sizzle out at the dam with lifeguards, council staff, the council Depot and volunteers from Tennant Creek Women’s Refuge, NT Firies, NTES, Tennant Creek Volunteer Association and Barkly Work Camp racing around making sure everyone enjoyed themselves.
“Each year I help with the BBQ and it was great to see such a big turn out at Lake Mary Ann in 2016. It’s wonderful to watch locals let their hair down, have fun and join in a spirit of camaraderie that is unique to Tennant Creek,” said President Shaw.
“Events like Australia Day are a success because the community becomes part of it and if you wish to be involved in Council’s Australia Day Committee please join us next year.
“I also wish to take this opportunity to personally thank you for what you did in pulling it all together. You are a hit! Thank You.”
Seven teams battled it out for the popular Australia Day raft race, with Curtis Construction taking the top spot, knocking previous title holders T&J Pirates to third place. Team BP made a valiant effort and came second on the day.
Other winners on the day included Tennant Creek Cricket (Tug of War Men), The Blue Ladies (Tug of War Women), Jiu-jitsu Team (Tug of War Kids), NT Firies (Leaky Bucket Adults), Joshua Southwell and Kim Bracken (Egg Throwing), Allan Spence (Thong Throwing) and D. Campbell (Pie eating). Yhe Borondia was awarded Best Dressed Female with Fiona Borondia taking out Best Dressed Kids and Colin Fry winning Best Dressed Male.
Supported by the Australia Day Council NT, Australia Day in Tennant Creek was also sponsored by several local businesses and individuals. Please see sponsorship page for full details.