Australia Day 2017

Australia Day

January 26th was Australia Day, a holiday similar to our Canada Day. It is a little more hotly debated here with some people referring to it as “Invasion Day”. Some people want change so the aboriginals here feel more included.  Just like home, groups of people being groups of people 😉 We are just visitors so we headed out to celebrate for all the right reasons!

Perth’s big celebration is called the Skyworks and this year it was to feature a fireworks display with more than 32000 fireworks. Who doesn’t love a fireworks display on a hot summer night (it was 42 degrees that day!)? Also we were invited to an event for all the exchange teachers and their families.

This is a picture from 2016…. The park is called Langley on the banks of the Swan River. 

Along the Swan River especially in Langley park people were set up to enjoy the day. Lots of coolers full of barbie supplies and beverages. It is illegal to drink in the parks but that is mostly ignored and the police turn a blind eye, at least until someone gets out of hand. They seem to realize here that many are usually well behaved…I love that policy. 

We had enjoyed the kids area with free rides and dozens of blow up castles, BMX events, dirt bike jump competition, the odd busker (Fringe is currently on), and ice cream trucks by the dozen.

Unfortunately after joining the party with exchange teachers, past and present, bad news was announced. A plane with two people aboard had crashed near the fireworks barge and they were killed. Some of the folks attending with us thought they had heard the crash but we were not in sight of the river. So out of respect for the dead and to protect the area of the crash the fireworks show was to be cancelled.

It seemed like most folks enjoyed the park and emptied their coolers before heading home. On the upside it was a much easier ride home. They had been expecting 300,000 people so we did get to miss out on lining up for the train, and Atticus was thrilled just to ride the train in the dark.

Paul

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Old man keown

    Hmm perhaps an ice cream truck is a perfect business opportunity for you? I’m sure Atticus would enjoy it!

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