The Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove addressing the Crowd at Wallendbeen on Sunday.
The Kangaroo March Re-enactment has passed through the district on its way to Campbelltown, with nearly 2000 people welcoming them in Wallendbeen on Sunday and a memorial service taking place at Murrumburrah on Monday.
Local Metal Sculptor Terry Howe meeting the Governor-General.
In glorious sunny weather, crowds gathered around the Cenotaph in Wallendbeen for a memorial service attended by the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson and Member for Hume Angus Taylor. A choir from Sing Australia sang from the balcony of the Wallendbeen Hotel, whilst the Light Horse Troop provided a backdrop to the service. At the conclusion of the service, everyone, including the Marchers, dignitaries and attendees, walked to the Oval, where there were market stalls displaying goods from around the region. The Governor-General then gave an address and unveiled a commemorative plaque. The Kangaroo March continued on Monday morning, stopping at Wal Bradford’s property in Nubba for morning tea before moving on to Murrumburrah. “All the locals chipped in at Nubba for the support crew and Marchers,” said Wal.
The Marchers, three of whom are over seventy years of age, had walked 100 kilometres by the time they arrived, and had 400 kilometres to go. The memorial service at the Light Horse Memorial in Murrumburrah was well attended, with school children from Trinity Catholic Primary School, Murrumburrah Public School, Murrumburrah High School, Wombat Public School and Jugiong Public School taking part. A student from each of the schools read the stories of five men from the region who joined the original Kangaroo March.
With a support crew of World War II era Blitz Wagons and Jeeps, the March proceeded to the Murrumburrah Showground, before they moved on to Galong on Tuesday, and then Binalong on Wednesday.The Kangaroo Marchers have been impressed by the reception and the hospitality they have received from the towns they have passed through so far. “It has been very hospitable,” said Michael Jones, who accompanied the Marchers with his cart drawn by his two Clydesdales, Sam and Annie. “We have been welcomed in every community, both large and small.”
Michael Jones driving his Clydesdales, Sam and Annie in Murrumburrah.
The March will be in Bowning today before proceeding to Yass on Friday. They are expected to reach Campbelltown on October 10.
