McCrackens make memories at reunion

The McCracken family came together in Bundaberg to make some new memories. (Supplied)

The McCracken family came together on Saturday 5 October for a reunion of four generations.

Over 80 family members were in attendance, some travelling from as far as Sydney to see their relatives.

Gillan McCracken said it was wonderful to catch up with her far flung family.

“The highlight of the Reunion was the piping by Kyle Myers, the Pipe Major of the Bundaberg Caledonian Pipe Band, along with a Family Trivia Quiz and WordSearch.

“Family trees for each first-generation descendant were written up for future generations.

“There was a rousing rendition of ‘our’ song ‘We are McCrackens’ set to the tune of Waltzing Matilda.”

Gillan shared the history of her family origins.

“The first McCrackens of our direct family were Malcolm and Jeannie McCracken who departed from California, Falkirk which was a pit village near Edinburgh,” Gillan said.

“They sailed with their first three sons from Liverpool aboard the ‘Shropshire’ arriving in Australia 8 May 1913.

“Malcolm was said to have only a 5 pound note in his pocket.”

Gillan said some members of the Australian-born generations including herself have since returned to California, Scotland to meet remaining relatives and discover where their ancestors originated from.