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Wangi Wangi Centenary

Date:
By Greg Piper
Category: Local Legends

I pay tribute to the wonderful people of Wangi Wangi on the shores of Lake Macquarie who will come together and celebrate the centenary of their town this weekend. Born as a picturesque lakeside holiday town, Wangi has a history that is almost as colourful as some of the characters who have lived there over the years. It was home to one of Australia's most celebrated artists in Sir William Dobell, whose house and gallery remain in place, cared for by a dedicated team of locals. It has also earned its place on the world sporting stage. When you grow up in Wangi you learn to sail, and none did it better than Nathan Outteridge and lain Jensen, who won sailing gold medals in London and silver medals in Rio de Janeiro for Australia. A town with identities such as journalist and author Scott Bevan, entertainer Francine Bell and former Leyland brother Mike Leyland calling it or having called it home, Wangi remains an easygoing, egalitarian community. Wangi's working-class roots are still reflected in the brick walls of the old Wangi power station, the biggest brick building in the country and the first power station ever built on a coalfield. It is a very proud community in a very beautiful town, and I am very proud to represent it. Happy birthday, Wangi Wangi.