“Rain, hail or shine” Point Cook mother-of-two Janet Orchard was determined to continue a six-family tradition of celebrating Australia Day at Eastern Beach.
“It’s locked in!” she said.
“It’s our annual event. Even though we thought it was going to rain we didn’t care – we were going anyway.”
Some of the families involved in the tradition have been visiting the popular beach on Australia Day for almost two decades, according to Janet.
“I started five years ago,” she said.
“My girlfriend invited us along, mainly because I had separated from my partner. Now me and my two boys go every year.”
The Point Cook families joined hundreds, rather than the usual thousands, at Eastern Beach on Tuesday, with overcast weather and COVID-19 deterring crowds.
But for Janet the subdued festivities were a blessing in disguise after they arrived at 9am.
“We did miss the [cancelled] fireworks and flyover planes,” she said.
“But normally you’re fighting for grass space. We had it all to ourselves.
“There was certainly a lot of space for cricket. We just played and everybody seemed to join in.
“It was very quiet but we had a really good time. And the kids love going on the diving boards.”
Janet was thrilled the improved COVID-19 situation had allowed them to visit Eastern Beach.
“We were very happy, we didn’t want it to get ruined,” she said.
Janet enjoyed bonding with Pacific Islander families using barbeques nearby and others visiting Eastern Beach who had chosen to make Australia home.
“That’s what it’s all about!” she said.
Luke Voogt
