Unfortunately this year the residents were unable to be involved in the day as they were in lockdown due to an outbreak of the influenza virus and were advised by the Department of Health late on Friday afternoon that they should stay indoors to prevent the spread of the flu to the wider community.

However that didn’t stop hundreds of people from turning out to enjoy a sunny Sunday in the beautiful gardens of Fairview, where members of the community had a lovely time browsing the variety of stalls on offer while listening to some excellent music by Moree Pipe Band and Moree Town and District Band.

Fairview board chairperson Joy Peachey said it was a great day, despite the residents not being a part of it.

“All in all I was pleased with the day,” she said.

“Considering there was a lot on that weekend, there was a good crowd, although not a lot of children there due to the junior soccer carnival and Gum Flat Fishing Day.

“Both the bands were good and the cake stall was very successful, along with the soup and puddings stall.

“The raffle was also popular.”

The children who attended had a great time at the kids corner, while Moree Lions Club and Moree Rotary Club were busy on the chocolate wheel and barbecue.

Ms Peachey said this year’s fundraising was up on last year’s effort.

“We took more than $8,000 on the day and we’ve still got Lions and Rotary funds coming through, so I’d say we’ll make about $10,000 … last year we made about $9,000,” she said.

All funds raised will go towards the $2.5 million project to expand the dementia unit, with plans to add an additional eight rooms to the existing facilities.

Fundraising for the new dementia unit began earlier this year with Fairview’s major fundraiser, the Fairview on Trawalla luncheon which raised $70,000 for the project.

The project is still in the planning phase at this stage but Ms Peachey said work will commence as soon as the plans are drawn up and enough funding is there.

Ms Peachey said once Fairview gets the all-clear from the Department of Health, they’ll look at putting on a special afternoon for the residents to make up for missing the fete.

“The day is all about the residents,” she said. “We’ll get the choir and bands to come in and give them a bit of atmosphere from the day.”

Ms Peachey said the board would like to thank all the patrons and everyone who supported the day by volunteering, buying tickets or donating raffle prizes.

“It’s a whole community effort,” she said.

More photos here.