Community & Business
19 January, 2022
Loos at the ready
After the huge success of the inaugural competition, the Australia Day committee will be bringing back the K&R Plumbing Supplies Australian Dunny Race Titles as the high point of a jam-packed day set to commence at 7.30am at Arthur Shooter Park this Wednesday, January 26.
Oakey Australia Day committee chairperson Fay Telford said members have been working hard over the past several months to ensure the event is full of activities and competitions as well as being COVID- Safe.
She said the committee has also contended with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 cases in the region with many other district events other cancelled or postponed.
“We have been closely following advice from the Queensland and local governments to make sure we are compliant,” Mrs Telford said.
“At this stage everything should be going ahead including the awards and the activities.”
Mrs Telford said there is some doubt about whether local residents will be able to take a dip in the creek during the event.
“From the last water readings undertaken by Council, we won’t be able to have the raft races or iron man competitions in the Oakey Creek,” she said.
“If the readings don’t improve we will be having both events on dry land.”
Mrs Telford said the official ceremony will commence with breakfast from 7.30am provided at a small cost by the Oakey State School P&C.
She said this will be followed by a flag parade, an address by the Australia Day local ambassador and the presentation of the Oakey & District Australia Day Awards from 8.30am.
“This year the awards will be held closer to the creek rather than at the amphitheatre. So we urge everyone attending on Wednesday to bring their own chairs or rug to sit on during the ceremony,” Mrs Telford said.
She said local resident Dr Eric Donaldson will be providing the Australia Day address with Andrew Langton coming on board as the new event master of ceremonies (MC).
Following the free morning tea provided by the Oakey Historical Museum volunteers, the competitions and other activities are set to begin at about 10am.
Australia Day activity coordinator Craig Commens said the committee has expanded on the competitions from previous years.
Mr Commens said Oakey residents are welcome to go along to the event and take part as a participant in one or all the events or just go along and cheer on the other competitors.
He said the activities will kick off with the billy boiling competition.
“We will have the open and junior iron man competitions running along the creek like previous years,” Mr Commens said.
“There will also be sack races and thong throwing.
“We are also introducing wheelie bin races to the day.
“People can register on the day to take part in these events.”
Teams will have to register in advance to take part in the dunny races and raft races.
Mr Commens urged locals wanting to participate in these events to call him on 0428 717 519.
