THE Port Macquarie – Hastings Heritage Festival kicked off on Saturday, April 20, at Historic Roto House under beautiful blue skies.
A large crowd gathered to mark the start of this year’s festival which included a Welcome to Country by Uncle Bill O’Brien, and a didgeridoo performance by Steve Donovan.
The official opening and poem was by Mayor Peter Besseling and there was an entertaining talk by Bill Boyd, a local timber worker and former National Parks and Wildlife Officer involved in the restoration of Roto House.
Many history, heritage, environmental and community groups joined together with National Parks and Wildlife and Roto House volunteers to make the day a successful and enjoyable one.
The heritage festival continues. A full program of events is available from museums and heritage organisations, Council offices, Libraries and Visitor Information centres or online at www.heritagefestival.com.au