A day to celebrate
January 26 2008
Australian flags were flown from poles and fences, worn as capes and sun
protectors, and waved with avid enthusiasm under the shining sun and clear blue
skies as Australia Day celebrations united with Tour Down Under’s Willunga
stage.
The McLaren Vale stage showcased many aspects of what makes Australia such a great place — from the beautiful weather to the ocean and vineyards, from native animals through to young artists and performers.
A walk through the historic town of Willunga, complete with old pubs and houses, or a trip to the Aldinga foreshore saw race supporters getting into the Australia Day spirit with front-yard barbeques and side-of-the-road picnics complete with local gourmet food and wine.
The world’s best cyclists who turned out for stage 5 were able to soothe any pre-race jitters by patting a baby kangaroo, thanks to the Native Animal Network who’d set up an animal zoo featuring two joeys and a possum.
Native Animal Network Fundraising Coordniator Ann Pashley says the group came to Willunga especially for Australia Day.
“What could be more fitting than kangaroos, Australia Day and an international event,” Pashley said.
“We took one of our joeys through the track in the morning to give the riders a bit of a thrill before the race, and we hope they can visit them after as well.”
The group has been running for 15 years and focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating native marsupials that have been hurt or injured.
Run by volunteers and funded purely by donations from the public, they also raise awareness of caring for Australia’s wildlife.
The network set up a zoo on Wednesday for Stirling to Hanhdorf stage 2 of the race but says Australia Day was an extra special chance for international visitors and local people to see the animals.