Wilcannia residents revelled in their second annual Easter Yothu Yurri community event, with Good Friday’s fishing competition proving a big hit with the locals.
With 47 adults and 19 children registering for the comp, the event was held on both sides of the riverbank between the Weir and the BP depot, and Wilcannia Central School put on a BBQ for the attendees.
In the kids’ category, Olivia Whyman caught the biggest perch at 22.5 centimeters, and Kylera Whyman caught the biggest carp at an impressive 42cm.
In the adults’ category, Ethan Whyman caught the biggest perch at 37.5cm, but Des Webster’s whopping catch earned him the award for the biggest carp caught – an almighty 61cm.
Saturday morning’s raft race competition saw two brave competitors set off from Steamers to the Hospital, with Reginald Bruce Shepherd cooking a BBQ with the remaining salads and meats from Friday’s BBQ.
Maryanne Hausia and John Craciun’s innovative vessel, which was constructed from 10 litre water bladders held together with an edging of plastic milk bottles, polly pipe and PVC won the race, Maryanne and John using plastic storage box lids as paddles, while the runner-up’s raft, constructed by Amelia Whyman, Olivia Whyman, and Deborah Whyman, consisted of inflatable floats held together with a net.
The celebrations continued on Saturday night, with Lizzie Hunter and Tom Kennedy winning the best dressed competition at the 1980s and ‘90s themed disco.
Darren ‘Horse’ Whyman donated the PA system to ensure the disco went ahead, while catering was a BBQ cooked by Rebecca Hatch, Amelia Whyman, and Denise O’Donnell.
Sunday took on a more relaxed approach, with the community closely following the results of the three person Ambrose golf competition.
The Bronchos – Ronald Ward, Jay Johnson and Jarid Cattermole – won the tournament, with Des Webster Jr, Des Webster Sr, and Phillip Hunter from team I Don’t Know placing second, and Brothers Ethan and Jake Whyman along in third.
Players enjoyed a hamburger cooked at the fifth hole before heading to Wilcannia Golf Club for Presentations.
The weekend ended with a traditional Easter Egg Hunt and Fireworks display at the Oval, with the fireworks supplied by Anthony Slattery.
Owen Whyman, who helped organise this community event, expressed his appreciation and support to businesses and individuals who donated and sponsored the event, saying, “we wouldn’t have been able to hold this event without their help”.
He noted the support of Thyla Pty Ltd, West Darling Arts, Jeanna Maher from Riverside Traders, the Wilcannia Golf Club, Jim Sammon, Central Darling Shire Council, Wilcannia Central School, Roy Butler MP, and those who donated via the event’s GoFundMe page.
He went on to thank Natalie Andrews, Mr Samuel and Miss Rachel, Nadia Mills, Rebecca Hatch, and the Barkindji Men’s Dance and Cultural Group Inc, who worked hard as volunteers to ensure the event ran successfully.
With two years of experience now under his belt, Mr Whyman said he was very happy and surprised by the success of the event because “we had people not only from Wilcannia, but right around various places” celebrating with the community.
Mr Whyman promised the third Yothu Yurri in 2025 will only improve on this years’ event, concluding he sees the event getting “bigger and bigger every year.”
