While there was some pushback at last night’s council meeting to a proposal to establish an annual Campbelltown Day, most councillors gave it the green light.
And when it was put to the vote just one councillor raised his hand against the notice of motion from Cr Josh Cotter.
While Cr Cameron McEwan argued that there would be “no point’’ to a day dedicated to celebrating Campbelltown, other councillors were enthusiastically on board with Cr Cotter’s suggestion.
“I am sceptical of the benefits of this,’’ Cr McEwan told council.
“There’s no Sydney Day, no Brisbane Day, as far as I am aware,’’ he said.
Mayor Lound supported getting a report into the feasibility of such a celebration.
“In the end, the more events we have means they bring the community together,’’ he said.
“We all love our city and honoured to represent Campbelltown.’’
One of the most enthusiastic supporters was Cr Adam Zahra, who said he would “love to see’’ a Campbelltown Day.
“Hooray, it would be an excellent addition to all the other civic events and celebrations we have here in Campbelltown, which has a great history and is a great place,’’ Cr Zahra said.
“We have as part of our history so much, things like sheep shearing, cattle farming.’’
Labor councillor Karen Hunt went even further, suggesting possible dates for a Campbelltown Day.
“Governor Lachlan Macquarie founded Campbelltown and named it after his wife’s maiden name, Campbell, on December 1, 1820,’’ Cr Hunt said.
“It would be lovely if a bit of a Scottish connection would be included in such a celebration,’’ Cr Hunt said.
Cr Warren Morrison, a party colleague of Cr Cotter, said a Campbelltown Day would also be of great economic benefit to the city, bringing visitors and tourists.
Cr Cotter told council that his suggestion was all about “pride in our city’’.
“We are one of the fast growing areas in the country, we have a proud history,’’ he said.
“A Campbelltown Day would be a unifying celebration where our come together.
“It would also be good for civic pride and social cohesion,’’ Cr Cotter said.
Council officers will now put together a report on the feasibility of holding an annual Campbelltown Day.
The report will look at the timing, venue, potential themes, activities and cultural elements, possible venues and cost implications for council.
It should feature the commemoration of the first elected Council in 1882 . My maternal grandfather Charles Bull was elected as was a Mr Monroe whose descendants still live in the town
To have meaning it should have a major event to honour and this is important in the city’s history
Just another excuse for Council to spend money on festivities and not the nitty gritty of the city. How about it cleans up Broughton St? Does something with the units on the corner of the bypass and Broughton St? Perhaps offer the ratepayers another green pick up during the summer? How about not charging a fortune to go to the Billabong? I am sure there are more worthy causes. We have Fishers Ghost even if there is no sheep shearing !!