Bridport Splash part of a 'dream' celebration for Philippines family

The day was hosted by the Bridport Surf Life Saving Club and offered attendees the opportunity to take part in classic surf life activities like flags and boards, build a sandcastle, or just soak up the sun and keep cool in the water.

The day held different sentiments for different people, but being at the Bridport Splash yesterday was part of a 10 year dream for Philippines born Therese Baylon.

AUSTRALIA DAY 2021 IN NORTHERN TASMANIA:

While the date January 26 means varying things, for Ms Baylon it represents hope and opportunity.

She came to Launceston three years ago and immediately knew it was where her and her family belonged.

"It's about hope and being in a country where you feel secure," she said.

"And there's a bright future, especially for the kids. It's a brighter future for all of us."

Ms Baylon sympathetically explained that January 26, for her, was a conscious celebration, but one of a reminder about the decision to leave her Philippines home and start a new life.

"It's a celebration of accomplishing what we've done through the years and what we've been through as well. It's not so easy being from a different country and not knowing the people around you and not having support people," she said.

"But we're in a good place now, we've got our own homes.

"I researched Tasmania 10 years ago and I found out Launceston was second on a list of best places to live. That was 10 years ago and three years ago we got here."

Event organiser Jim Dennis said the community event had routinely attracted between 1000 and 1500 people but was capped at 1000 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

He said it had been a successful day with help from the Dorset Council, the Australia Day council and Australia Day ambassador Don Marsh.

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: