At 7am on Sunday 59 people assembled at Lake Inverell to participate in the Great Australia Day Paddle, an event organised by Joeys Adventure Tours,  Joeys founder Heinrich Haussler said.

He said the Great Australia Day paddle celebrated Australia Day as well as raising money for the Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group. 

“It was a sea of colour with the Australian flags, the kayaks and the participants taking off on a 5km journey to the halfway point where the great day was celebrated with a bacon and egg breakfast and the official part of the day,” Haussler said.

“There was a great spirit throughout the fleet led by Colleen and Ron Nancarrow whose ancestors were on the first fleet to Australia.

“After a very relaxing paddle the fleet landed at the Island of Song and Dance where they were welcomed to a great Aussie breakfast.”

Haussler then acknowledged the original owners of the land past and present then Mat Flitcroft and Alannah Wood presented a cheque to the Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group.

“Mat, who only lost his wife Donna recently through cancer, and Alannah, Donna’s sister, presented a cheque of $1000 to Debbie Hooker and Shirley Horwood, who represented the Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group,” Haussler said.

“The $1000 was raised through the event and Joeys Adventure Tours. 

“Similar events will run during the coming year in order to support the group.

“Debbie Hooker explained in her speech that all the money raised will go towards helping women who are in need of treatment for breast cancer in helping them with petrol money to travel to and from medical treatment, chemist bills and special programs to aid recovery.”

Haussler explained the meaning of Australia Day to him, a German emigre.

“It is a privilege to live in a beautiful country like Australia,” he said.

“The blue sky, the fresh air and the mateship and its people – much more than the arrival of the first fleet. 

“We must not lose sight of this and that we really should have Australia Day every day and display the spirit we display on Australia Day every other day of the year. 

“The people I had around me today give me great confidence in this.”