IT'S GOOD to be back, baby, as Australia Day celebrations returned to Nambucca Heads this morning with a splash of colour, a barbied snag the length of the river and a non-controversial landing by Captain Arthur Phillip.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The humidity was off the richter and there was even a traffic jam at Gordon Park - quintessentially Australian.
But the spirit of community shone through, as locals and tourists alike mingled alongside the Nambucca which was dressed for the date with market stalls, water activities, country music and kids' games.
The event - brought back to the community by the Lions Club of Nambucca Heads after years of hibernation - zipped out of the blocks with an early morning 3.5km fun run, an out-and-back course from Gordon Park to Shelly Beach.
Youngster Jessica Deans won the 10-12 years girls age group and was also the fastest female overall, in 13.37, while age did not weary 55-year-old Trevor Scott who was the quickest male masters (30-plus) and first bloke home overall in 12.27.
Mayor Rhonda Hoban welcomed the return of Australia Day festivities to Nambucca Heads and praised the work of volunteers in the shire.
Captain Arthur Phillip aka John Mills got a shoe wet in landing at Gordon Park and stressed he was not an invasionary force but here to join the local community as the Australian and Aboriginal flags were raised by Scouts nearby.
The event will continue throughout the day with try tennis promotions, crab races and live music.
* Check out the photo gallery.