Australia Day turnout delights

Australia Day committee organisers were delighted with the size and behaviour of the crowd that turned out to participate in Australia Day celebrations at Woy Woy, according to committee member Mr Cec Bucello.

"It's probably the largest number of people ever to attend an Australia Day celebration on the Peninsula," Mr Bucello said.

"The fireworks were certainly part of the attraction but they weren't let off until 9.30pm and most of the crowd were already there from 3pm when the first event on stage commenced."

Entertainment included dancers, a variety of performers, a taiko drum display and a bush band that had large numbers of people dancing in the street.

One of the highlights of the day was the public acknowledgment of the Gosford City fire fighters and other emergency personnel that were involved in the bushfire emergency that took place on New Year's Day.

There were also a number of children's activities taking place separately, a youth concert and a folk club concert all centred on the CWA Hall.

Speakers on the day included Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher; Australia Day Committee chairman Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford City Ambassador and rugby union stalwart Mr Gordon Bray; Gosford City Citizen of the Year Ms Anne Berry, Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd and Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews.

The crowd was also treated to a moving rendition of the national anthem and "I am Australian", both sung by Ms Anna Lawley.

The crowd were introduced to one of the Peninsula's Order of Australia Medal awardees, Mr Ron Sharpe, who was also last year's Gosford City Citizen of the Year.

"The fireworks went off with a bang this year and they were certainly worth waiting for," said Cr Holstein.

Jodie of Horsfield Bay was the winner of an Australian Flag for singing two versus of the National Anthem.

Press release, January 27 Woy Woy Australia Day Committee