Yass’ centenary march effort ‘disgusting’

COMMUNITY: A local businessman is “disgusted” with Yass township’s lacklustre approach to the Kangaroo March centenary celebrations which arrive in our district tomorrow.

He said he was aware some councillors, including Mayor Rowena Abbey, Cr Ann Daniel and Cr Jasmin Jones, were planning to attend ceremonies in Bowning, but wondered why Yass hadn’t organised a celebration itself.

“Why is Yass not doing anything besides a barbecue at the IGA?”

“It’s just wrong. It’s pretty disgusting to think a tiny town like Bowning is putting on a march, a commemorative service, a barbecue and an afternoon tea, and Yass isn’t.”

Townsfolk earlier this week when the march went through Wallendbeen.

Hume MP Angus Taylor attended Wallendbeen march earlier this week.

The Federation Guard and a Catafalque ceremony will also be provided at Bowning.

He said he was “bitterly disappointed for the students” of Yass who would be missing out on a local educational opportunity involving their own community.

When he had enquired with council and Yass Valley Tourism about the situation, he had been told the annual Turning Wave Festival, also on this weekend, was more of a priority and expected to provide a larger boost to the local economy than the Kangaroo March.

Tourism Manager Sean Haylan has been unavailable for comment to respond to this.

The businessman, who wished not to be named, said he understood the importance of Turning Wave but “this is a historic event – 100 years in the making! Turning Wave happens every year.”

Sculpture in the Paddock also opens this weekend.

Kangaroo March Schedule

Binalong: 

• Midday march starts from Pioneer Park
• Commemorative addresses
• Red Cross Ladies lunch.
• 6pm Binalong Hall BBQ dinner with entertainment and light supper.

Bowning:

• 1pm Kangaroo March arrives at Red Hill Road and Cossack Street, to be joined by groups interested in marching.
• March to Cenotaph, Bowning Road onto Leake Street to the Hotel, then into Short Street to the Hall.
• 2pm a Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph, including Federation Guard and Catafalque ceremony
• Afternoon tea in the hall.

Yass:

• 12pm Saturday BBQ Lunch at Yass IGA

Read our Kangaroo March story here.