Dictionary Definition ... A Religious or Solemn Ceremonia ... According to the Prescribed Order

​On reviewing the above definitions I have chosen to write of my 90th birthday celebration for Monday 9th May 2022,

The logical day to celebrate was Sunday 8th May, which was also Mother's Day, so booking a venue would have to be considered early in the piece.

For my 70th birthday we had chosen a back yard venue, for relatives and friends, at home.  For my 80th, the family spent a week-end at the lakeside park at Nagambie.  So, something different for my 90th!

The Covid epidemic restricted the choice, so we finally settled on a family gathering for lunch at the Railway Hotel in Goorambat.  Over recent times this veue has earned an excellent reputation.  Furthermore, it is central for all my children.

In February, my son-in-law Heath, who resides in the Goorambat district, made the booking.

Now, to organise the rest of the family!

Grandchildren have the habit of participating in a variety of sporting activities, particularly in football and netball.  It wasn't an easy task to satisfy them all.  Finally, all bar one could be accommodated.  

Sunday, 8th May, turned out to be a reasonably pleasant Autumn day.  My immediate family, plus a niece and nephew, (twins), attended and enjoyed the large meal provided.

Afterwards, they all attended our Benalla home, (just 20 minutes away), for the cutting of the cake and some formalities, before leaving for their homes in Melbourne, Wangaratta, Wodonga and the Yarrawonga Road.

The following day, my actual birthday, Monday 9th May, was again a pleasant day, and Bernadette and I settled down for a quiet day.  We had planned to go to a local coffee shop for a quiet lunch.   (Monday is not such a good day in Benalla for such an outing.)

Just before midday a car pulled into our driveway and, to our surprise, out stepped Anthony, our eldest, who had returned from Melbourne.  On questioning, he said that he had just come up to take us out for lunch on the actual day.  We gratefully agreed and suggested that there might not be much of a selection for a venue.  He suggested the Art Gallery and we warned him against that as it was not likely to be open.  Nevertheless, we got into his car and proceeded to drive down the street.

I was the "doubting Thomas", but he was apparently confident, and on reaching the Art Gallery, Blimey, it was open!  On entering the gallery cafeteria, I was overwhelmed to be welcomed by the other three of my children.  There we were!  My wonderful family unit!  They had all driven back from their respective homes, some distance away, just to be with their "Old Man" on his "Special Day" ... His 90th Birthday.


Ray O'Shannessy
​July 2022

Finding a ritual practice down Blackfellows’ Lane
​
Moving to Kalaru on the far south coast of NSW from Canberra in 2013, I had for the first time in my life, a sense of ‘moving onto’ another’s land (country)’.  I named my home the ‘Threshold’, reflecting the significance of my move from Canberra. I did not know though, how else to acknowledge my relocation. I had admired the ritual of a smoking ceremony, had participated in a number but did not have the confidence or the contacts to request one for myself.

Later, I learnt that I had moved onto the land of the Djiringanj, part of the great Yuin nation and grew to respect their elders, their young leaders, their local knowledge and traditions.
(Always was, always will be, their land).
 
I am a ‘morning’ person, enjoying an early start to the day. Kalaru offered a variety of walks along bush tracks and country roads. Over time I tended to repeat a favoured walk, following a couple of bush roads down to a lake which subsequently flowed into the Bega River and to the sea. Ultimately my walk led down to Blackfellows’ Lagoon. Initially feeling uncomfortable with the terminology, I later discovered that the local first nation’s family group requested that the name be retained.

Over time I developed a morning ritual associated with this walk.

Ritual: a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. (Google)

On reaching the edge of the lake, I would first take in the beauty and stillness of the morning Sometimes I was graced with the sight and sound of mullet breaking the water surface as they escaped from predators. At other times I was enveloped within the stillness and dazzled by the shimmering surface.

Reaching upwards, I would stretch, filling my lungs with the bracing morning air, releasing some of the stressors of the night.

Then I would anoint my head with the refreshing, sometimes cold, water of the lagoon. Often it took the form of a gentle splash, in the warmer months, a more enthusiastic washing. 

Finally, taking a handful of eucalyptus leave, I would crush them in my palms, inhaling the fresh and healing aroma of nature’s gift and filling my lungs in appreciation.

It was only later that I discovered that this was a family gathering place for the original inhabitants and that a number of significant artifacts remained, including a tree whose bark had been cut and shaped for utility.  I felt a special honour. It was here where I had developed a ritual practice which became the highlight of my day.


Graham Jensen
​July 2022

My parents, Brian Ryan and Margaret Moore, married on April 9, 1941 and celebrated their fiftieth Wedding anniversary in April 1991. Although my parents and three brothers were living in Ireland at this time, the celebration took place at my brother Christopher's home in Sunbury. The fact that the majority of the family lived on the east coast of Australia and my parents were regular visitors were the deciding factors in the choice of venue.  Chris and his wife, Anne were the hosts and seemed to undertake most of the organisation, whereas the rest of the siblings, partners and children were under strict orders to keep the date free.
 
Thus the Irish contingent booked their flights and the USA based brother made a quick trip minus his family. Those from interstate arrived in dribs and drabs, whereas I had only to drive from Seymour. We had two trial get togethers, one at Euroa to celebrate my mother's sister Valda's 70th birthday, the other  at Seymour to celebrate our eldest daughter, Kylie's 21st birthday, before the big day arrived
 
Being April, we were blessed with good weather and the various family members descended on the Austin Court home for lunch. The food was a side event as this was the first time all the family had been together in years and sadly, it was the last time it happened. Can you imagine the noise as siblings, their children ranging in age from babes in arms to young adults  and the guests of honour exchanged news. There was the usual game of backyard cricket and kick to kick.
 
Eventually we all gathered for the cutting of the cake and photo session - quite a performance with so many persons involved. Overall, it was a lovely day enjoyed by all present.  Looking back now, it remains a very special day.