It was 200 years ago that explorer John Oxley arrived on the shores of the Manning River, though he thought it was a lake and named in Harrington Lake. The students from Harrington Public School, dressed in period costume, were on hand to re-enact his arrival.

A small committee set about planning celebrations to mark the bicentenary and the community came to the party, taking part in the parade and providing resources for the display in the Harrington Hall, featuring the town’s history and families.

The result was “beyond my wildest dreams,” committee member Janeen Clifton said of the weekend.

Those attending Friday evening’s cocktail party launch at the golf club were greeted by a bagpipe player at the foot of the stairs and the town crier, Stephen Clarke at the top of the stairs. Janeen said Stephen’s performance was “the icing on the cake.”

Guests included MidCoast Council mayor David West and guest speaker was Pastor David Freeman who held the audience spellbound as he described the ordeals John Oxley underwent on his expeditions.

The evening, run by the Harrington Evening VIEW Club, was also a celebration of the people who founded Harrington and went on to help the town grow.

A moving flag raising ceremony was held on Pilot Hill on Saturday morning, featuring the Manning Valley Pipes and Drums and the 317 Squadron (City of Taree) Air Force Cadets.

The street parade, organised by the chamber of commerce, was well supported by community groups. “Everyone was in it,” Janeen reported. And the weather was perfect.

Special guests included federal MP Dr David Gillespie, Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and MidCoast Council deputy mayor Katheryn Smith. Information boards about Harrington’s history, a Harrington Lions project, were unveiled at John Oxley Reserve following the parade. 

Another highlight was the display in the community hall featuring historical photographs and information about local people, clubs and organisations. Janeen, who arrived in Harrington in 1980, had been collecting historical photographs of the area since then and her effort was appreciated by the hundreds of people who filed through.

There was much reminiscing and many stories told in the hall that day. Janeen hinted that Harrington would really benefit from a museum.

The bush dance on Saturday night was a fun night and despite an exhausting day, about 20 members of the evening VIEW club were there to dance the night away.

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