Tom Parry
COMMUNITY was the focus of Briagolong’s Australia Day activities, with a free breakfast held in the Mechanics’ Institute Hall.
The low-key event was co-hosted by the Briagolong RSL and Lions Club of Briagolong, and saw 100 servings of bacon, tomato, baked beans and eggs-in-a-hole, cooked for attendees.
Lions Club president, Stan Warren, was most pleased with the turnout on the day, describing it as “fantastic”.
When asked what he enjoyed most about hosting the breakfast, Mr Warren said: “I think it’s most important for the people to get together”.
“There’s not many opportunities, and this is an important day, virtually, in the history of things, of people getting together,” he added.
Mr Warren noted there was some hesitation as to whether an event should be run “because of the COVID problem” – similar events in 2021 and 2022 were cancelled due to the pandemic.
The Lions Club has facilitated Briagolong’s Australia Day breakfast for the past 15 years, with 2022’s event requiring the assistance of the RSL.
“The Lions Club has insufficient members to run it ourselves – it requires at least 12 people to do it,” Mr Warren explained.
“We are down in numbers, and we needed support.
“We had spoken previously with the RSL about community spirit and people helping, and it was natural that we got together and asked them for help, which they gladly gave.
“And if the Lions Club folds, which can happen, now the RSL has had a good grounding… on how to do it.”
Photo: Tom Parry
Secretary-Treasurer of Briagolong RSL, Trevor Gartung, explained to the Gippsland Times why his organisation chose to assist.
“The RSL is just not for returned servicemen; we try to help the community as well, and we see this as a community function and also assisting the Lions Club who, in turn, reciprocate and help us when we require assistance,” Mr Gartung said.
“We’re part of the community, and that’s how we see our role as well, to assist other organisations and the community in general, whether it be the school, whether it be the Lions Club, the reserve or whatever.”
Mr Warren expressed his gratitude for the RSL’s assistance on the day.
Following breakfast, attendees were invited outside to witness the flag raising ceremony, sing the national anthem, and partake in a raffle draw.
Photo: Tom Parry
