The township of Warrimoo beamed a lot of warmth during its centenary celebrations that finished at the start of November.
“Warrimoo Week” marked the 100 years since the opening of the village’s railway station and subsequent release of Arthur Rickard and Co’s “Warrimoo Estate” in 1918.
One of the many highlights of the celebrations was a special assembly led by the students of Warrimoo Public School. The children not only created a host of home-town-themed artworks but also presented a variety of songs, fashion-parades, re-enactments and history lessons for the capacity audience of parents and citizens.
Local Darug identity Chris Tobin opened the assembly with a wonderfully engaging ‘Smoking Ceremony/Welcome’, and proceedings were rounded off magnificently when all 180 students of the school performed a magical “Eagle Dance” on the school oval, choreographed by Jo Clancy. The sincere respect and appreciation shown to First Nation custodians was a feature of the day.
Wider understanding of Warrimoo’s natural and built environment was the aim of several guided bush and town walks throughout the centenary week. These were all booked out and extra walks were organised to cater for demand. Centenary pens, reusable Blinky Bill bags and “Stress Moos” also sold out and helped raise funds for the costs incurred in organising the festivities.
Heart-warming success also greeted the ongoing historical display, predominantly researched, collated and presented by dedicated locals Carol and Jeff Moonie. Their hard work was rewarded by a constant stream of interested observers, hundreds of inquiries and many discussions surrounding aspects of Warrimoo’s past.
The highlight of the week was the family-oriented “Big Bash Bush Dance”, featuring the fabulously attired Bilby Line Dancers and spectacular band, the Gang Gangs (‘100 Years Behind the Times’). Participation from parents and children alike was amazing, as was the catering supplied by Warrimoo Public School Parents and Citizens.
One further event of Warrimoo Week was the launch of Monte Italia’s special new centenary offering – the “Warrimoo Pizza” – best described by one celebrity critic as “…offering a faint aroma of bushfire, coupled with the full-bodied earthiness of Warrimoo expressed through mushroom, spritely artichoke and husky haloumi with just a hint of lingering bacon palate”. Host Danny Tumia stands ready to supply the “Warrimoo Pizza”, but only upon specific, exclusive request.
Research is ongoing into Warrimoo’s history. Further assistance from past and present Warrimoo citizens with information and photographs would be appreciated. Contact Carol and Jeff Moonie on 4753 6302.
