General News
3 February, 2026
Community Spirit Shines as Marnoo marks Australia Day
MARNOO’s strong sense of community was on full display on Australia Day, with around fifty locals gathering for celebrations organised by the Marnoo Country Women’s Association (CWA). The day began with Marnoo CWA member Marg Shaughnessy officially raising the Australian flag, setting a respectful and celebratory tone for the event.
Attendees were then treated to an impressive spread of food, all lovingly prepared by the Marnoo CWA, who spent two days organising and cooking for the occasion.
Ms Shaughnessy said she was delighted with the turnout, despite concerns the hot weather and the end of the long weekend might keep people away.
“I was worried about the heat and also being the end of the long weekend would have deterred people, but we had a good turnout, and it was really good to see community members come together and celebrate with us,” she said.
“We all prepared the food in our own homes and then came together at 10am to put it all together. The tables were already set up by the Hall Committee, which was a great help.”
A highlight of the day was guest speaker John Matthews, whose heartfelt address resonated strongly with those in attendance.
Ms Shaughnessy said securing Mr Matthews as a speaker added an important and personal element to the celebration.
“To have John talk was great. One of our members spoke to him last year, and he volunteered to speak today. Everyone was really engaged with what he had to say,” she said.
Mr Matthews, a recovery officer with Ararat Rural City Council, spoke openly about his life journey, from being born in Queensland to settling in Pomonal, before reflecting on the devastating Pomonal bushfires of two years ago and the long recovery process that followed.
“It was good to be able to talk about things that are happening now, but also things that have happened in the recent past,” Mr Matthews said.
“Talking about it was probably a bit of therapy for me as well. I wasn’t expecting to break down, but as someone said, sometimes things come up and you don’t know if they still affect you.”
Mr Matthews explained his role as a recovery officer has gradually reduced from five days a week to one, with his current contract nearing its end, although there is a possibility it could be extended until the end of June.
“I am still employed as a recovery officer, but my days have reduced, and I’m also doing other work for the council in my old role before I was involved in recovery around Pomonal,” he said.
“Most of my concentration has been on Pomonal, but I’ve also been working around Willaura, which was affected by the 2024–25 fires.”
He described his role as largely centered on supporting people through the rebuilding process.
“My job is about making connections and talking to people about their rebuilds, helping with building and planning, and making sure they get the right permits before they rebuild their homes,” he said.
“Our support is also continuing in the psychosocial space through Grampians Community Health, which is helping people deal with any psychological impacts from the tragic events.”
The Australia Day gathering concluded with shared conversations, reflection and a strong reminder of the resilience and unity.
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