Australia Day Weekend

It is Australia Day on the 26th January so it is a public holiday which makes for a three day weekend. A majority of people will head down to the beach and enjoy themselves or take the opportunity of having a barbeque etc. and meet up with family and friends.

Recently I went to the Churinga Cafe which is at Mt. Dandenong and opposite the William Ricketts Santuary. The Santuary is a very special place. William Ricketts was a sculptor. I first went to the santuary in the late 1960's. William Ricketts had a special love of the Australian bush and the animals such as the Lyre bird and Possum. He also had a spiritual connection and respect of the land as the Australian Aborigines. I was fortunate when I went to the Sanctuary sometimes he would come out and speak to the crowd gathered there about the protection of the bush and all the creatures. His sculptures depict Aborigines and also I think himself as a young man.

The photos are ones I have taken at the Churinga Cafe where they have some of William Ricketts sculptures. There are many more at the Sanctuary of course.

The Churinga Cafe has a lot of Crimson Rosellas and also the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos who visit and take advantage of the seeds which are put out for them to eat!

The William Ricketts Santuary is a very special place and if you ever have the opportunity to visit you will not be disappointed.

Here is a site which tells you more about William Ricketts and the sanctuary http://teachit.acreekps.vic.edu.au/cyberfair2002/Williamrickettssanctuary.htm