Locals getting
ready at the beginning of the walk
Today we did the Scone Bypass Community Walk to celebrate
the completion of the town bypass. For years, the town's main street has been
blighted by thundering freight lorries coming through both day and night.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Michael
McCormack, said," This five-kilometre bypass will improve road safety and
reduce travel times for freight and long-distance traffic, by providing an alternative route around the town". The townspeople were invited to walk
across the bridges of the bypass as part of the opening ceremony.
I walked the bypass with Janie
and Andrew
Fortunately, there
was a slight breeze on this beautiful morning
Lots of people joined
in the walk, and we got to enjoys the views from up high
The Smoking Ceremony
As part of the opening ceremony, there was a traditional
Aboriginal Smoking ceremony. This is an ancient custom among some Aboriginal
Australians that involves smouldering various native plants to produce smoke
which they believe has cleansing properties, and the ability to ward off bad spirits.
This particular ceremony was to ensure the safety of travellers on the road, and
to ward off any evil spirits that may harm them.
During the ceremony, he fed the leaves
into the fire and wafted the smoke around
Michael McCormack
MP, and the local dignitaries attending the ceremony
The walk was a lot of fun, although, I have to admit, I only
walked one way, and didn’t complete the return journey as there was a bus for
the elderly and infirm. Sometimes being older is an advantage. But well done to
Janie and Andrew. Not only did they complete the walk, but they did so after having
been to a CrossFit session earlier that morning.
Elizabeth Coughlan
