Five family generations, featuring more than 100 people turned out for the McAndrew family reunion this year at Lake Keepit.
Family members travelled from Caloundra, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Dubbo, Cowra and Lismore for the event held over the Easter weekend.
The reunion started in the early 1980s when the McAndrew brothers Ron, Keith, Noel and John and brother-in-law Harold Quigley, who all were born and grew up in Bathurst, wanted to find a way of keeping the family in touch.
The first reunion was planned for Easter 1982. This was well attended by three generations of the family totalling 40 people.
The plan was to hold a reunion every six years but after the second reunion in 1988 it was decided to hold one every three years – a tradition that has continued to this day – the only interruption was due to COVID when the 2021 reunion was moved to 2022.
The gatherings are held predominantly in Gunnedah with many staying at Lake Keepit and the nearby sport and recreation centre.
Reunions have also been held at Copeton Dam (Inverell) and Wyangala Dam (Cowra).
This year’s event at Keepit included dinner and re-introductions on the Friday evening, before start of the family fishing competition on Saturday morning.
Tennis and more sport competition followed on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday’s events included the ‘slip n slide’, group photo and evening games in the dining room.
Dinner was followed competition presentations and trivia.
After this year’s reunion success, plans are already underway for the next in 2028.
