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Thongs and gongs all in good spirits

Carey Loton gripped the rubber thong between his right thumb and forefinger, cocked his arm back at just the right angle and then let fly.

The projectile sliced through the air, curved over the shade cloth at Progress Park near the centre of Calingiri and came down about 35m away.

The mighty effort was enough for him to be declared winner of the Wheatbelt town's Australia Day thong-throwing competition.

Then it was time for eyes down to fill in a clever and amusing quiz about WA towns, suburbs and slang.

Example: Which town name is represented by motor vehicle, slang no, mother?

Answer: Carnamah.


Carey Loton and his first prize - a pair of thongs.

Yep, out in Calingiri the Australia Day breakfast was a relaxed affair. The harvest was done, and by most accounts it was a good one, the summer holidays rolled towards their conclusion and a nice breeze fanned the park in the centre of town.

And so about 50 people from the town or nearby farming country had earlier started the morning by gathering at the town's flagpole.

The flag was raised and those feeling in good voice sang along as Advance Australia Fair played on a portable sound system in the shade nearby.

And then it was time to recognise some of the good work done by local volunteers, whose efforts are the glue that keeps bush towns together.

Shire of Victoria Plains president David Lovelock stepped forward to hand out two Premier's awards for citizenship.

First he called Cory Payne, 18, who has raised about $25,000 for charity and, after spending months in hospital after a car accident last February, is spreading the word about the need for safe driving.

Then it was the turn of Dorothy Jones, vice-president of the Calingiri Progress Association, to be recognised for her work. Mrs Jones said when she found out who had nominated her they would be in for it, adding that she worked for the community "because I love it".


The towns folk of Calingiri enjoy their Australia Day breakfast in the heart of town. Graham Mills, left, Sue Mills, Barbara Kelly and Nicole McInnes.

As the sausages sizzled on the barbecue, Sarah Mason, secretary of the progress association, said the town was a close-knit community.

The association worked to make it an even better place through activities such as plantings, an Anzac Day ceremony and a new sculpture featuring Carnaby cockatoos, which will adorn the entry to the town.

Sitting at a table nearby was Yvonne Hutchison, 85, who has lived in the area all her life.

To her Australia Day was a time to think of what the community had.


In twon at the raising of the flag before the festivities begin.

"Australia is such a wonderful country," she said. "And this is a beautiful community."

After his prodigious thong throw, Mr Loton collected his prize - a pair of thongs emblazoned with "Australia".

And he also revealed the secret to his success.

"Wait for a big gust of wind," he said.