The streets of Bingara come alive this July as the town celebrates one of its most cherished traditions — the Happy Days Orange Festival — now in its 65th year.
At the heart of the festival is the annual Orange Picking Ceremony, where children from Bingara Central School harvest oranges from the trees lining Finch Street. These trees were first planted in the 1950s to honour Bingara’s fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII, and the oranges remain untouched until the nominated day.
“Bingara’s orange trees are something very unique to Bingara,” Gwydir Shire Mayor Tiffany Galvin said.
“They represent pride, respect, and community.”
“From a very young age, our children are taught not to touch the oranges until the official picking day. This is taken very seriously by what we call ‘The Orange Police’ – the whole community, young and old, who politely remind anyone of their significance.”
“There is a great deal of pride shown by our council staff who nurture the trees throughout the year. They are now a living memorial to those that lived through war,” she said.
This year’s Orange Picking Ceremony takes place on Friday, July 4 at 11am, outside the Returned Services Club, followed by the children racing to harvest the fruit. Locals and visitors are warmly invited to witness and take part in this special moment.
“Every year these oranges are harvested… after the ceremony, the children race to harvest the trees,” Mayor Galvin said.
“This tradition lives on through many generations who travel back to Bingara bringing family to enjoy the same tradition they enjoyed as children.”
The ceremony reflects values that have been passed down since 1960 — and in some families, today’s pickers are fourth or fifth generation.
“This is also very special to me as my last Orange Picking Ceremony as a student was on 8th August 1985,” Mayor Galvin said.
“I have also watched my three children enjoy the same tradition I have.”
Special guest Seven Network National News Director and Foreign Editor Hugh Whitfeld, and a proud former Bingara Central student, will return for the event.
“Hugh’s family go back generations in Bingara,” Mayor Galvin said.
“He’s gone on to do amazing things all over the world… I’m so excited to hear Hugh’s stories and look forward to him sharing these with the students.”
Mr Whitfeld said he had a special place for Bingara and its traditions.
“Some of my earliest memories are sitting on a plastic bag on Finch Street, waiting for the ceremony to end so we could fill the plastic bags with oranges,” he said.
“It’s incredible to see how the tradition honouring the services of men and women from Bingara has evolved into a festival that celebrates our great town.”
On Friday night, head to The Roxy Theatre for a screening of The Great Escaper, starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. Based on a true story, the film follows a WWII veteran’s journey to
Normandy for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Tickets are $5, with soft drinks and snacks available. All proceeds support the Bingara Special Events Committee.
The main event — the Bingara Orange Festival – Bingara, Now and Then — kicks off on Saturday, July 5 from 10am. Visitors can expect food and market stalls, vintage cars, dancing, billy cart races, a grand parade, and games for the kids, followed by the ute barrel, rodeo and fireworks at the showground from 3pm.
Community competitions include best float, best dressed, shop window displays, and more.
The festival also marks 30 years of the Sister City relationship with Willoughby Shire, celebrated through a student exchange between country and city students.
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