Celebrating Cootamundra's 150th anniversary

August 13, 2011

The township of Cootamundra which is the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman and famous for the national flower, the 'Cootamundra Wattle' celebrated its 150^th anniversary (sesquicentenary) on Saturday, 13^th August 2011. The centre of town was a hive of activity with hundreds of people lining Parker Street to watch the parade of vintage cars, army cadets, as well as business, sporting, cultural, school and community groups celebrating this important civic milestone.

 

The township of Cootamundra holds special significance for my family. My wife Gloria and I moved to Cootamundra with our young family over 30 years ago. ‘Coota’ has given us so much - a wonderful and safe place to raise our children and grandchildren as well as friends and acquaintances with which we have shared the highs and lows of life. All of which is why those of us who live there are proud to call it home.

 

The town has survived the best and worst of what living in rural Australia has to offer. Over the years the people who have called it home have endured floods, plagues, fire and most recently 10 years of devastating drought. Yet each time the community has faced adversity it has banded together and Cootamundra has bounced back stronger and better than before.

 

That is why on Saturday, as I stood there watching the parade with three generations of the Schultz family, I understood the palpable excitement felt throughout the town. The sun was out and we were given the chance to show our appreciation for the fact that our town has stood proudly for 150 glorious years.

 

All of those involved in the celebrations, from the Cootamundra Shire Council to the local primary school student who made the effort to dress up and participate in the parade, should be congratulated for keeping alive the civic spirit that has made Cootamundra the wonderful place it is today.