Kangaroo March 2015

A news article, KANGAROO MARCH: In footsteps of heroes that appeared on the Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser news website, made me reflect on the most famous recruitment march in ANZAC history.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Kangaroo March, where men from rural NSW marched to Sydney to enlist for war.  Initially 88 men marched their way from Wagga Wagga on December 1, 1915 and collected a total of 222 men along the way as they made their journey through the Macarthur region and then onto Sydney.

Every year a 36 day, 520km re-enactment march from Wagga Wagga to Campbelltown helps communities along the route to pay tribute to the diggers and their families for their contributions and sacrifices. Its other mission is to encourage children and adults alike from these towns to learn about their local and national history and it also advises the recruitment opportunities and peacetime capability and delivery of the Australian Defence Force.

To show my support for the event I, along with many others, lined up to see the re-enactment volunteers as they came through my town. As they marched pass, I reflected on what these courageous men did for us. They were our sons, husbands, brothers, perhaps someone in your family. They enlisted to fight in a war that threatened to end yours and my Aussie way of life and for that I am grateful. May they always be remembered.

Lest we forget.

Come checkout the Macarthur Region, NSW!

Sitting about an hour from the Sydney CBD, Sydneysiders can visit and explore the Macarthur region in a day, from sunrise to sunset. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney in the morning to explore the lush green, open spaces this area has to offer, yet it is close enough to arrive back home in time for dinner.

The Macarthur region, named after Australian wool industry pioneers, John and Elizabeth Macarthur, is an area recognised as the birthplace of Australian Agriculture. The Macarthur family’s country residence, Camden Park House, which is still home to the family's descendants has an open day every September which I happened to visit this year.

There is plenty to do and see here in the Macarthur region, just check out the official tourism website’s ‘What’s On’ calendar. Your itinerary can start with an early morning trip to Picton for some hot air ballooning, followed by breakfast at one of the cafés in Camden.  Then how about heading off to Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan – Sundial Hill has amazing views over Sydney and to the Blue Mountains.  Whilst you are here you should also check out The Australian Plantbank which houses a seedbank vault that holds lots of plants seeds for many Australian plant species.

Head into Campbelltown to visit some heritage-listed buildings and wander to the Japanese Gardens and Teahouse located within the Campbelltown Arts Centre for some time out and some lunch.  After lunch the girls can head off for some shopping at Macarthur Square whilst the boys can enjoy some golf in one of several golf courses the region has to offer.

Perhaps you’d like to head off on a bushwalk through the Dharawal National Park and be awed by the landscape, wildlife and gorges or enjoy the countryside on horseback. After a well-earned break, finish off the day by dining in one of the region’s many restaurants before heading home or maybe even stay the night in one of the hotels or motels.

And I'm sure you'll be back, perhaps to enjoy the AnnanROMA Food and Wine Festival - the highlight of the Macarthur region's event calendar each year. The festival showcases the region's best food and wine and best of all it's a free event. Come and taste your way around the Lakeside at The Australian Botanical Garden, Mount Annan next April.

If I haven't convinced you to visit the Macarthur region yet, then perhaps this video might entice you!

Mod 2.2 – Narrating Personal Interest

I have chosen the topic of 'Backyard Touring' for a number of reasons and this includes my love of travelling and discovering new places. When people choose to travel, they usually go interstate or overseas but never really experience what is in their local area, in their own backyard.

Having lived in the Macarthur region of NSW for most of my adult life, I have become passionate about what this area has to offer.  Having worked in the Sydney CBD for a long time, my average commute to work was about an hour or some 50km each way from home. A recent change in work situations has allowed me to work closer to home and my workplace is now in a more natural environment - I see cows and sheep every day and I love going to work!

This change has opened my eyes to what a beautiful area I live and work in and it has also made me realise that I didn't really know my local area all that well. That is about to change – as I now have a lesser commute to work, the extra time that I now have allows me to take the opportunity to experience all the tourism activities that the Macarthur region has to offer.

I decided that I would venture out and follow my local council’s official tourism 'What's On' calendar. My intention is then to share my experience through blog posts and photos with family, friends and fellow Sydneysiders. So come along for the ride and I will show you what there is to see and do in the Macarthur region, and for most of you this will all be within about an hour from home.