Step back in time to the days of the Bundaberg Railway Picnic and Sirens of the Surf competition for Australia Day 2020.
The once not-to-be-missed event on the Bundaberg Region calendar will be brought back to life at Nielson Park by Rotary Club of Bundaberg City Daybreak.
The event is being made possible after the club successfully applied to host Bundaberg Regional Council’s official Australia Day celebrations on January 26.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the application had won Council over with its focus on the region’s heritage and celebration of all things local.
“This proposal from the Rotary Club of Bundaberg City Daybreak is a refreshing and unique take on our annual Australia Day celebrations,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“By the beach, residents will be able to enjoy the traditional Bundaberg Railway Picnic which so many residents would remember fondly.
“While recognising our past the event also has an eye to the future with a focus on celebrating local entertainers and local food.”
The Bundaberg Railway Picnic was an annual event held in Nielson Park from 1922.
It was originally only held for railway workers and their families before later being opened up to the general public.
In the early days most people would catch the steam train to Nielson Park and spend the day at the beach enjoying the activities on offer.
In the 1940s the Sirens of the Surf competition became a major staple of the popular event.
Rotary Club of Bundaberg City Daybreak president Moe Turaga said it was important to the group to hold an event that recognised the region’s history.
“What better place to celebrate Australia Day than at the beach with our iconic surf lifesavers and embracing the role that Nielson Park has held throughout the years,” Moe said.
“This is a great opportunity for our rotary club to engage with community and celebrate Australia Day.”
For more event information contact coordinator Ainsley Gatley on 0488197400.
- Other news: Community picnic a hit for Australia Day
