All smiles at Mooroopna’s Australia Day festivities

By Grace Carter and Megan Fisher

Jan 26, 2025

Graeme Brewer was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year at the Moooroopna Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mooroopna’s markets and Australia Day ceremony proved to be the perfect combination at Ferrari Park on Sunday morning.

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The ceremony led by Murray Shields began at 10.30am when the Mooroopna Scouts and Guides raised the Australian flag, and Sara Bodie sang the national anthem.

Attendees singing the national anthem at Australia Day in Mooroopna. Photo by Megan Fisher

Murray Shields emceeing the Mooroopna Australia Day ceremony. Photo by Megan Fisher

Ms Bodie also sang Australian songs I am Australian, Home Among the Gum Trees and I Still Call Australia Home, before Arthur Duke and Baden Howe read some Australian poetry for attendees.

Sara Bodie singing at Mooroopna Australia Day. Photo by Megan Fisher

Arthur Duke reciting poetry at Australia Day in Mooroopna. Photo by Megan Fisher

Keynote speaker Jason Shields spoke of his life growing up in Mooroopna, leading him to become the manager of Plunkett Orchards in Ardmona for 23 years, among his other international athletic accomplishments.

“Mooroopna has always been a town that’s embodied resilience... the spirit of unity and determination is what makes Mooroopna not just a great place, but a remarkable place to call home,” Mr Shields said.

Jason Shields was the key note speaker at Mooroopna’s Australia Day festivities. Photo by Megan Fisher

Lower Goulburn ward councillor Kieron Eddy presented the Mooroopna Australia Day Citizen of the Year award to Barb Joyce, and the Mooroopna Australia Day Senior Citizen of the Year award to Graeme Brewer.

Ms Joyce was awarded the honour for her outstanding contributions to the Mooroopna and Greater Shepparton community, which includes her time as a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Mooroopna.

“Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for the community... if we work together as a community, we will achieve a lot,” she said.

Barb Joyce was awarded Citizen of the Year at the Mooroopna Australia Day celebrations. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mr Brewer was honoured with his award for his enduring passion for music that’s impacted the entire Goulburn Valley, which includes being the volunteer organist at Mooroopna Uniting Church for 38 years.

“I’ve worked with so many wonderful people... I love to play. I don’t know what else I can say but thank you for this award,” he said.

Cr Eddy, State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell and State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe addressed the crowd as the official proceedings wrapped up.

After the event finished, the crowd couldn’t line up quick enough for a sausage sizzle from the Rotary Club of Mooroopna.