Australian flags given out in Umina
Blackwall consumer rights campaigner Mr Bob Peel and Central Coast Council Australia Day Award nominee Mr Junior Johnson spent a good part of Australia Day handing out Australian flags in West St, Umina.
Mr Peel initially joined Mr Johnson at his stall outside Blooms the Chemist, where both flags and cup cakes were given away.
He later moved to Woolworths, which had decided not to sell Australia Day merchandise.
On arrival, he was confronted by the Woolworths security guard who attempted to move him on.
However eventually, after much discussion, Mr Peel was allowed to stay and distribute his flags.
Ultimately, the security guard even helped by ushering children to get flags and wearing one herself.
Mr Peel said the flags were well received, particularly by children and "elderly folk".
"We are all Australians," he said.
Mr Johnson was described in Federal Parliament last week as "the Peninsula's answer to
Santa Claus".
Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid described him as a "local legend" and acknowledged and commended him "for his dedication to raising money to purchase presents for children during Christmas".
Dr Reid said that Mr Johnson had given children 150 presents a year for 10 years, raising money through a meat raffle in West St, Umina.
"Junior Johnson is a local legend."
SOURCE:
Media release, 10 Feb 2024
Robert Peel, Blackwall
Social media, 14 Feb 2024
Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson