Daniel Puentes, The Buloke Times
Donald’s venue for Australia Day was the pool; a welcome change, as the summer heat was no joke on the day.
As the venue opened, people came and set up their chairs and prepared for a fantastic day at the pool. At 10 a.m., the emcee, Chloe Frank gathered everyone’s attention for the singing of the national anthem and the reading of the pledge.
While all returned to their seats, the microphone was handed over to Debbie Borden, the guest speaker of the day, to speak about her time in the Northern Territory, as well as answering the question “What are Australian values?”
Time in the North
Debbie spoke largely on her time as a nurse, first laying out the groundwork and describing the Northern Territory as Australia’s Wild West. Explaining its history with both facts, like how it wasn’t until 1869 that it had its first registered settlement, almost 100 years after Sydney, and through personal tales from the hospital.
She made a connection to how multicultural the Northern Territory was even then, and how, in many ways, it had always been, and how racism was often not simply a matter a skin tone, but much more focused on “you being different to me”.
The benefits of multiculturalism
She also touched on not forgetting what we have gained from multiculturalism, even with horrors such as the Bondi massacre, raising tension countrywide also reminding us all that so many things we enjoy are often systemic benefits – things such as food, clothing, and music.
It was an incredible speech, driven by both her experiences and passion for the country she loves, and the people within it.
After a round of applause, Chloe returned to the stage to announce the winners for the following awards: Event of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
Awards
The first called was Event of the Year, bringing in over 150 people last year and running for over 70 years, now was the winner the Donald Lawn Tennis Club Tournament. Both an impressive feat, and something you can look forward to happening again over Labour Day weekend!
Next was Young Citizen of the Year, with almost too many clubs under his name to count, Glenn Pearse graciously accepted his award.
The last but certainly not least award was Citizen of the Year. Having done so much for the community it came as no surprise that the winner was Ange Donnellon, who reminded us all that when you have a family supporting you, you can do anything!
With that the celebrations ended, and people rose from their seats, eager to spend the hot day by the pool. Thanks were given to the Buloke Shire for proving the food and the lifeguards for both setting up the pool and the floating obstacle course on it!
Thanks to the Donald Lions Club, for cooking the food both in the morning and for lunch, as fighting the heat is easier on a full stomach!
And with that the day was done, the pool was full and the spirits were high. Happy Australia Day everyone.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 29 January 2026.
See all the Australia Day stories in the issue.
