Boat Races, Fireworks And Flying Thongs

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday January 23, 1992

By ELIZABETH BROWN

Some northside councils have arranged special events for Australia Day, but others believe their residents would rather join in the celebrations on the Harbour.

A highlight will be the appearance of the South Steyne, the much-loved Manly ferry from the days of steam. It will compete in the Great Ferry Race on Sunday and go on three cruises daily from 2 pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Mosman, North Sydney, Lane Cove and Willoughby councils will not organise local activities.

Baulkham Hills has planned a party at the council chambers at Castle Hill from 11.30 am, with family entertainment and demonstrations. A church service, fireworks display and teenage dance party will be held in the evening. Bush walks will be held on Sunday and Monday.

Ryde will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of its first white settlers. The Mayor, Alderman Mick Lardelli, expects more than 10,000 people at the festivities at Kissing Point Park, Putney, which will start at 10.30 am on Monday. A river festival featuring canoe and sailing races will be held from 1 pm.

Manly will hold its celebrations in front of the council chambers from 10 am on Sunday. The guest of honour will be crusading opthalmologist Professor Fred Hollows, 1991 Australian of the Year. There will be bands, singers and a naturalisation ceremony.

Rock musician Angry Anderson will visit three venues in Warringah on Sunday to attend breakfasts and thong-throwing contests at Lionel Watts Park at Belrose, Dee Why Beach and Newport Beach. Breakfast will be served at each venue from 7 am to 10 am.

The annual Palm Beach-to-Whale Beach two-kilometre swim will attract a big crowd on Sunday. Swimmers can register at Whale Beach Surf Club on Saturday between 2 pm and 4 pm, or at the Palm Beach Pavilion at 9 am on Sunday. Entry fee is $10. The race will start at 10 am.

Ku-ring-gai's Australia Day concert draws crowds of 12,000 to 15,000 people. It will start at 7 pm at Bicentennial Park, West Pymble. Performers will include the pipes and drums of the 2/17 Battalion RNSWR, Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, SydneySiders Barber Shop Chorus, bush band Hand Picked and the Australian Heritage Dancers. Kamahl will be a special guest.

At Hunters Hill, aldermen will serve refreshments to residents at a party in the town hall on Sunday between 4 pm and 6 pm. Mrs Nellie Sharples will receive the Citizen of the Year Award for her service with Gladesville and District Community Aid.

Hornsby Shire President, Councillor Nan Horne, will conduct a naturalisation ceremony at 10.30 am. There will be a sausage sizzle in Hornsby Park.

* The Maritime Services Board (MSB) Waterways Authority has issued an events guide for spectator craft on the Harbour. Copies are available from MSB offices, Waterways Authority boats, the Australian National Maritime Museum and major boating clubs and marinas.

Extra carriages will be provided on most CityRail trains over the long weekend. Weekend/public holiday timetables will operate on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Most trains will have their carriages increased from four to eight, and off-peak tickets offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on usual fares will be available.