www.awnw.com.au
Issue #272 – Wednesday, 11 March, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
New website gets mobbed In a flash, word of a new website launched to support youth on the Border was out. The flashmob stopped traffic on Saturday to spread the word about myrollercoaster, which will help young people on a wide range of mental health and well-being issues. READ MORE ABOUT THE GREAT INITIATIVE ON PAGE 2
Borella Ride By ERIN SOMERVILLE ALBURY’S Richard Borella was only eight months old when his Victoria Cross winning grandfather Albert Borella passed away, but he now feels closer to him after spending 12 days following in his footsteps. Feeling blistered and battered, Richard was able to put his feet up last week as he finished his epic journey across the outback Northern Territory in recognition of the 1000km his grandfather travelled to enlist for World War I 100 years ago. The Borella Ride was created by the Commonwealth Government through the Anzac Centenary Public Fund and the Northern Territory Government, and was the flagship Anzac Centenary commemorative event for the Northern Territory. As part of the journey, Richard walked from Tennant Creek to Renner Springs, rode a horse from Renner Springs to Katherine, hitched a ride on a mail cart to Pine Creek, and caught a train to Darwin – all as Albert did a century ago. It was a tough trek, and one that hit home the perseverance and strength of Albert Borella. “The third day was the hardest,� Richard said.
Rowan and Richard Borella follow in the footsteps of Albert across the Northern Territory. 135794 Picture: The Borella Ride, Northern Territory Government. “It was 37 degrees and we had a strong headwind, it was quite difficult.� Richard also faced some challenges that his grandfather wouldn’t have had to come across as he followed the highway instead of the telegraph line. “The road trains,� Richard said when asked about some of the fright-
ening aspects of the journey. “You’d be walking and if they’d come from behind they’d blow you along, and if they were coming the other way the wind would nearly knock you over.� Dealing with road trains on narrow roads while horseback riding – something Richard is only relatively new at
– was also unnerving. Education was a major part of the trek, with Richard and his two travelling companions stopping in at schools and communities along the way. This was one of the highlights on the journey. “All the school kids had been
learning about World War I and of my grandfather.� It was also a rewarding, challenging, and emotional journey for four generations of Borellas who followed behind Richard on his trek. “It was a really great experience, something we never dreamed of,� Rowan Borella, son of Albert, said. “It was very emotional.� Upon stopping in a roadhouse for refreshments, the family even happened to meet well-known Australian folk musician Ted Egan who quickly whipped up a song for their family’s journey. While Richard touched down again in Albury yesterday morning, he hopes his commemorative journey will help preserve his grandfather’s and the Anzac legacy for generations to come. “The opening and closing ceremony was very moving. “You get that lump in your throat and start tearing up in the eye. “He was an incredible man.� See our online gallery at http://alburywodonga.starcommunity.com.au/ for incredible and moving images of The Borella Ride.
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