The Crowning Ceremony that we celebrated in early November was an unforgettable experience and the perfect way to culminate the fundraising and activities of the Quest Year. Coming together alongside the other entrants; Sarah Brunskill, Katharine Graham and Aley Harvey we had the opportunity to recognise the years achievements as a group and present the funds we raised in 2017 to our seven beneficiaries of the Quest; the Amie St. Clair Melanoma Trust, Country Hope, Ronald McDonald House, the Saturday Morning Bowling League, the Specialist Medical Resources Foundation, the Leisure Company and the Wagga Women’s Health Centre.
We started off our titleholder year being interviewed by the Daily Advertiser, Prime 7, Win News, Triple M, Hit 93.1 and WaggaWagga.TV! It is always so much fun catching up with each of these stations and there was no denying that crowning had really happened and was not just a dream!
The Liberty Against Violence March saw us make our first event as titleholders and what an event it was, to see so many heads turn and join us in marching along Baylis Street was impressive.
Remembrance Day was spent in the Victory Memorial Gardens meeting veterans and their families. The ceremony began with the Commanding Officer of 1 Recruit Training Battalion, Kapooka, Lieutenant Colonel Liz Stephens reading a moving poem that was written by a Corporal during their posting to Wagga Wagga. This was followed by wreath laying and the narration of the Ode of Remembrance.
We handed out balloons to Bunnings customers for the Respect Week Barbeque and put smiles on children’s faces whilst raising awareness surrounding Family Violence and communicating the message of respect in the home, workplace and in our community.
Continuing the fantastic tradition of Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, we donated blood for the first time as the 2018 Titleholders, something that is ongoing for titleholders, entrants and previous entrants alike!
The Leisure Company held their Annual General Meeting and a few of the participants beautifully performed a segment of their musical “Character Matters”. Zoe then had the chance to chat to the many talented individuals in attendance and discuss their accomplishments they gain from participating in all the activities that the Leisure Company coordinates. It was particularly good to see how the Leisure Company are continuing to receive support surrounding the indispensable service they provide, particularly given they were one of our beneficiaries in this year’s quest.
Many people were out in force on the morning of the 24th of November, for the Mt Austin Clontarf Academy, White Ribbon Day Lake Walk! The boys from the Mt Austin Clontarf Academy had organised this event in preparation for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Then on White Ribbon Day, the 25th of November, Zoe attended the White Ribbon Day Commemorative Service hosted by the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre (WWHC). This event was strikingly appropriate for the day and saw male leaders from the city read the names of the Australian women who have lost their lives in the last year due to violence. WWHC continue their meaningful work in the Wagga Wagga community and were also a beneficiary for this year’s quest.
On the same day, Zoe and Maddie wore their crowns to accompany a very special and long awaited guest (SANTA CLAUSE!) at the Defence Force and Emergency Services Family Christmas Treat held at the Oasis Aquatic Centre. It is difficult to believe Christmas is just around the corner!
Zoe and Maddie have also had the privilege of attending the Mayoral Reception to celebrate Michael Kennedy OAM’s contribution to the Wagga Wagga Community through his ongoing service to Kurrajong and commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Kurrajong! Mr. Kennedy has committed his service to Kurrajong for many years and Mayor Greg Conkey’s Mayoral Reception was a beautiful way to recognise this.
It does not go unappreciated how lucky we are to be the ambassadors for our city and attending such a variety of events in our vibrant community! We cannot wait to see what more experiences our titleholder year will bring! If you would like us to be involved in your upcoming event, please email us at [email protected].
- MWW and CP xx