AUSTRALIA—Fifty brethren from the Sydney congregation gathered on January 26 at the Jim Allen Oval in Wombarra, NSW, to celebrate Australia Day with a unique theme this year. Although the weather forecast was rain, the sunshine came out and stayed shining over a day full of contests, music, barbecue and sports.

The day kicked off at noon with the Sydney men’s highland games, a Scottish tradition that includes a spirit of sportsmanship, entertainment and contests of physical strength, not to mention an attempt at Scottish fashion from all participants. Most of the Sydney men had organized the making of their own kilts ahead of time. The highland games, coordinated by member Ross Macdonald, consisted of three traditional feats of strength: shot put, caber toss and stone throw.

“It was a great day all around, with the highlight definitely being the highland games,” Macdonald said.

In addition to the games and kilts, bagpipe music also boosted the Scottish theme.

Deacon Ben Klusenberg said that the activity was “very unifying, and I would love to do it again.”

The meal consisted of a traditional Aussie barbeque prepared by volunteering men, alongside healthy salads put together by the women. As some sat in the shade to chat and spectate, the rest played volleyball, cricket and soccer.

“I really am enjoying the fresh air and its surroundings,” Wendy Miletich said.

In the mid-afternoon, after a great session of sports, a big group headed down a few minutes away from the family day site to cool off and enjoy the waves at Wombarra Beach. The children passed the time jumping over the waves and building sandcastles. “My favorite part of the family day was playing on the swings and being at the beach with my friends,” said 6-year-old Mia Tesoriero.

The day ended with a soccer match between the “under-30” and “over-30.” Regional Director John Macdonald arrived at the family day in the afternoon after arriving back from his trip to the Philippines and got straight on the soccer field as the goalkeeper. The match included plenty of determination, sweat and good sportsmanship, plus a win for the “over-30” team.

Vanessa Wild, a newer member to Sydney, said “I have been to many family days including those on Australia Day, and there has been nothing ever compared to this family day—God’s family day.”