The NADC provided grants to Rotary and other non-profit organisations to run COVID-safe community events across the nation to encourage community celebration after a very tough 2021. For Rotary, this was a golden opportunity to promote our support for communities and of course, R100. Our sincere thanks to the NADC.

Here are a couple of examples of how our District responded to the opportunity.

In Mackay .....

Australia Day & 100 years of Rotary in Australia was celebrated in style by Mackay region Rotarians, Rotaractors, families and friends.

IPDG Michael Buckeridge welcomed attendees. Blanche Sutherland presented an inspiring Welcome to Country. AG Bente McDonald spoke about the Mackay Region and the R100 Baton Relay.

The R100 National Australia Day Online Streaming Event was then viewed on the ‘big movie screen’.

The Day finished off with the cutting of the obligatory Australia Day R100 cake, and a very Australian Barbecue - steak, sausages onions, prawns ... it was all there, followed by lamingtons, watermelon, rockmelon, strawberries - all kinds of drinks...and much more.

Check out Mackay's short video here: https://youtu.be/ICxBSRt1SQY

In Gladstone .....

Australia Day and 100 years of Rotary in Australia was celebrated in conjunction with the Gladstone Regional Council's Citizenship and Australia Day Awards ceremony.

Rotary worked with Council to provide an Aussie-style lunch to all new citizens, award winners and nominees at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre following the formalities.

With some 270 guests, lunch was enjoyed by all, and DG Adele spoke about Rotary's work and connection to the community. Also some great Aussie entertainment from local Clyde Cameron. It was a great day! 

Feedback from guests suggested that this was a great way to celebrate Australia Day in Gladstone and should be continued.

Like Mackay, Gladstone expresses gratitude to NADC for their support.

Check out the photos in the attachments.