The Kangaroo March

I often listen to Macca on the ABC on a Sunday morning.  You never know what you will learn when you listen as  people from all around the world, but of course mostly Australia phone in with a story.

Today I learned about The Kangaroo March - which is being re enacted in New South Wales from this week.  Volunteers are walking from Wagga Wagga to Sydney in recognition of the recruitment drive, way back during World War I.  The following information is from the Australian War Memorial - click here for more info.


"Route Wagga Wagga, Junee, Illabo, Bethungra, Cootamundra, Wallendbean, Galong, Goondah, Binalong, Bowning, Yass, Goulburn, Wingello, Bundanoon, Sutton Forest, Moss Vale, Mittagong, Picton, Camden, Campbelltown, Petersham, ending at The Domain, Sydney.
Groups of recruits joined from Narrandera, Tumut and Young. To retain the march’s country character, no recruits were taken on after Campbelltown.
This was the longest of the recruiting marches - 350 miles.
The military authorities attempted to stop the march at Goulburn, intending that they should enter camp for training, but it continued to Sydney. There were accusations of misconduct both during the march and after the Kangaroos had entered training camp. They staged a strike outside Goulburn and again in Sydney over leave, both strikes led by Australian Workers’ Union members who had been recruited at Galong and Goondah.
Many of the Kangaroos were allotted to the 55th Battalion, which arrived in France in 1916.
One of the Kangaroos, John Ryan of Tumut, was to receive a Victoria Cross. Other awards to marchers included 2 Distinguished Conduct Medals and 7 Military Medals."

More about the Kangaroo March here. 



Also I learned that it is Wattle Day on Tuesday.  One thing we Aussies can all do on Tuesday is say "Happy Wattle Day" when we meet anyone. 

Check out more on Wattle Day here. 

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