Meatworks reunion

THEY’ll be telling porkies in Wallangarra on the Australia Day weekend, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be lying.
They’ll be remembering when the border town was “home on the pig’s back”.
Here’s an open invitation to anyone involved with Anderson’s Meatworks to join a reunion being organised by the Wallangarra Jennings Progress Association.
“We are hoping anyone who had any association with the former meatworks will make full use of the opportunity to return to their old ‘stamping grounds’ to catch up and reminisce with old workmates,” organiser Brendan Cusack said.
“The invitation is open not just to former staff and employees and their families, but to graziers who supplied stock, truckies who carted stock and other supplies, tradesmen such as plumbers or electricians and other contractors, cattle buyers, and the many others who might have been involved in any way with the operation.”
Mr Cusack said the celebrations would commence at midday (Queensland time) on Saturday 25 January with an informal “meet and greet” at the Wallangarra School of Arts.
At 6pm Saturday evening, a reunion dinner will be held at the restored Wallangarra railway station for $30 per head.
Several members of the Anderson family are attending the celebrations, and during the dinner, Alan Anderson will launch the book, “Home on the Pig’s Back – The Story of the Wallangarra Meatworks”, produced by Dot Moore.
Buses from Tenterfield and Stanthorpe will be available if there is sufficient demand. Anyone wishing to attend the reunion dinner is asked to book and pay by 18 January, and include an additional $10 per head if they intend utilising the courtesy bus.
Australia Day activities include golf, the butchers’ picnic barbecue lunch and an afternoon of combined reunion and Australia Day festivities.
The butchers’ picnic barbecue gets under way at 12.30pm at the School of Arts, and will initiate an afternoon of combined reunion and Australia Day festivities. The local community is invited to join the visiting “Reunionists” to enjoy the fun of market stalls, novelty sports events, chocolate wheel, bar and other activities and attractions.
Mr Cusack said revellers should keep something in reserve for the Aussie country dance commencing at 7pm in the School of Arts Hall.
For more information, contact Brendan on (07) 4684 3300, mobile 0408 843 300 or email bpcusack@iinet.net.au.