Centenaries Galore

100! It’s a big number any way you slice it or break it down. 100 years is not just 10 decades, but approximately 36,525 days, where there are 76 common years and typically 24 leap years. That’s almost a full month of extra days!

So why am I discussing 100 years this week? Well, I was recently told about the Home Hill Post Office, which quietly, silently, celebrated 100 years (3 November, 2024) in her own hushed, inauspicious way with barely a mention or celebration held to acknowledge it anywhere. Quite staggering.

Then there was the Burdekin Race Club, which also recently celebrated 100 years in the community, who was at least recognised for its efforts to the community, which was marked by a visit from the mayor, and honoured with special memorabilia and birthday regalia for the event.

And more recently someone mentioned in passing to me that Crowdey’s Bakery in Ayr also turned 100! Though I wished the owners had reached out so we could run a story – we still can (hint hint).

It’s a phenomenal number of establishments reaching 100. I don’t ever recall being in a place with so many centenaries being reached so close to one another. While I’ve been in much older towns over my years (a certain 12th-century French wine region comes to mind), I’ve been blown away by the recent spate of so many 100s all at once.

It’s a truly remarkable feat and surely worthy of much greater recognition and acknowledgement than has befallen some to date. I’m positive there are many more establishments at, or nearing, 100. If so, please let me know.

As a relative new interloper into the area but someone curious by the world around me, I’m always fascinated by a town’s history. If we can celebrate Australia Day, then surely we can also commemorate organisations that turn 100 in the Burdekin, too?

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