Chicca Madden welcomed all to country and the SundayFunday was opened by Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Jess Miller. Lord Mayor Clover Moore attended, as did Cr Linda Scott, with local Federal MP Tanya Plibersek.
The Cliff Noble Centre added some magic to the opening ceremonies by performing some quite impressive feats of magic, with one of their number crouched inside a box, as razor-sharp swords were inserted. He survived the feat intact.
There were plenty of opportunities for local businesses, community service organisations and the City of Sydney Council to engage with residents. Food and coffee stalls from local businesses did a brisk trade, as did the ARAG barbecue. On such a hot day, ice cream and gelato were welcome treats.
The Alexandria Park Community School raised funds through a cake stall, lemonade and popcorn, as well as selling drinks from the ARAG barbecue.
No Alexandria SundayFunday is complete without the fabulous Dog Show and the various categories were well represented. There was much delight in seeing both the dogs and their owners, and MC Miranda Fair’s comments brought lots of laughs from onlookers.
The Trash’n’Treasure Blanket Sale is always a favourite, and there were over 20 people involved in selling all sorts of items. Musical entertainment was provided by Yoga Music for the Soul and the Methylated Chicken Collective.
Jumping castles, a petting zoo and face-painting were all available free to keep the children entertained, while the roller tube, electric cars and bungee-jumper were available for the more adventurous – or adventurous-at-heart.
Sydney Cycleways offered free inspections and adjustments to keep bicycles in tip-top condition. The Sydney Sustainability Centre provided advice to residents on everything from caring for plants to caring for worm farms.
Various other demonstrations included yoga, Tai-Chi, hula-hoop skills, fitness and exercise, and relaxing recovery and massage just in case it all proved too much.
ARAG met with a continuing stream of people anxious to have questions answered with regard to WestCONnex, the Alexandria to Moore Park “connector”, Alexandria Park School – both locations – and Metro projects, as well as the numerous residential and commercial developments currently impacting residents.
With so much development activity and disruption in the area, the Alexandria SundayFunday offered an opportunity for residents to celebrate this vibrant inner-city suburb and to sample the food and services that local businesses have to offer.
ARAG would like to thank all the businesses, community and service groups and our fabulous team of volunteers for making the day such a success.
