Mission accomplished at Bland's Bust the Dust Festival

Welcome rain brought a satisfying end to a spectacular day of community fun and participation at Bland Shire Council’s Bust the Dust event last Saturday.

A stunning fireworks display over West Wyalong’s Main Street to conclude the festivities was immediately followed by a much needed nine millimetres of rain - providing renewed hope for farmers for an improved year.

Bust the Dust was organised by Council and primarily funded through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program and featured a number of events catering for all ages.

Around the same time as the first shower of rain arrived, festivities commenced at 2pm with a powerful performance from West Wyalong band Three Pistol Midnight and the start of the Evolution Mining Golden Colour Rush.

Nothing could dampen community spirits as 200 participants lined up for the start of the Evolution Mining sponsored Colour Rush with all money collected from entry fees going directly to Country Hope.

Participants ran, walked and hobbled their way to the Wetlands and back, negotiating a series of obstacles along the way while also being peppered from all directions with bursts of coloured powder thrown by Evolution staff, Councillors and community organisations as well as a number of enthusiastic individuals.

The combined smiles on the faces of participants lit up a dark and gloomy day and proved once and for all that no drought can go close to breaking the undeniable community spirit which exists in the Bland Shire.

Patrons continued to enjoy the sounds of Three Pistol Midnight while chowing down on free steak and sausage sandwiches (and soft drinks) from the West Wyalong Lions Club, scrumptious cakes, slices and more from the St Mary’s School P&F and the always popular fairy floss and popcorn from Neat’s Party Hire.

The closed Main Street had the atmosphere of a carnival with the delighted screams of young people enjoying the free amusements rides including the Riptide, the giant fibreglass slide and Adrenaline Rush and Atomic Rush inflatables echoing throughout the street.

As darkness set and the temperature dipped further, Sydney cover band The Beatels stepped out on stage and lit up the crowd with an incredible performance which cast minds racing back to the glory days of Paul, John, George and Ringo and the height of Beatlemania.

Intermission featured an inspiring address from master of ceremonies and special guest speaker Ben Pettingill.

Mr Pettingill lost 98 per cent of his eyesight as a 16-year-old to an incurable rare genetic syndrome and in the eight years since has used his “Limitless Vision” and “True Vision” mottos to achieve incredible things such as climbing the Kokoda Track, competing in high speed water skiing events and becoming the only blind person in the world to complete a Spartan race untethered.

He earlier participated in the colour rush alongside 12-year-old Beau Dodds, General Manager at Evolution Cowal Craig Fawcett and Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan and in his address acknowledged the support and mateship provided by all three to assist him to complete the course.

The previous day Mr Pettingill was able to share his message and inspire students with presentations at West Wyalong High School and Ungarie Central School.

Mr Pettingill’s visit was coordinated by Council with significant funding support from the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.

His address was followed by a second outstanding set from The Beatels before Mayor Monaghan closed proceedings with a short address and countdown to the spectacular fireworks display provided by Griff’s Fireworks.

In his address, Mayor Monaghan congratulated everyone involved in the organisation of the day and acknowledged and praised the resilience and spirit of the Bland Shire community.

With continued financial and community support Council hopes to conduct another Colour Rush in 2020.