The Knights of the Southern Cross’ annual Barney’s Picnic has raised $1000 to be put towards the cost of the Sandhurst Diocese’s 150th Anniversary Processional Cross. 

On Divine Mercy Sunday (7 April) about sixty members of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria (KSCV) came from all over the state to enjoy their annual fraternal gathering, known as ‘Barney’s Picnic’. In its 67th year, ‘Barney’s’ (as it is more affectionately known) relocated from its long-time location on the banks of the Murray River at the Gehrig Estate Winery in Barnawatha North to Boorhaman North Recreation Reserve, along the Ovens River.

Hosted by the Rutherglen and Wodonga Branches, the tradition started decades ago when Wodonga Branch Member, Barney Gehrig, invited Members to come to his winery on the first Sunday after Easter as a post-Lenten celebration following an outdoor Mass. His son, Bernie continued the tradition at the family estate until 2022, when bad weather forced it to Rutherglen in 2023, and a new location was required going forward.

Being located within the Diocese of Sandhurst Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay, and concelebrated by KSCV State Chaplain, Fr Tony Kerin. Members enjoyed a big barbeque and fraternity organised by the Branches of the Northern 8 District (Rutherglen, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Myrtleford).

At the end of the event, KSCV State Chairman, Paul Mitchell presented Bishop Mackinlay with a cheque for $1000 to go towards the cost of the Sandhurst 150th Anniversary Processional Cross, which was first used at the Diocese’s 150th Anniversary Pilgrimage from St Kilian’s to Sacred Heart Cathedral on Palm Sunday.

A first for this year are some amazing drone photos of the event and its surrounds, including the Ovens River.