A weekend of fun, frivolity and connections
Article by Resident Celia Watson (2026 Communications Intern)
Between the 15th and 17th of May, Burgmann held its annual Family Weekend, organised and hosted by the Burgmann Resident Association Vice Presidents, Caity Harbottle and Gretel O’Brien. 600 attendees, consisting of Burgmann residents and family, flooded the campus for a weekend of fun, frivolity and connections.
A weekend that might otherwise have been spent procrastinating, bantering at college bar, Le Chat, or indulging in the cheap thrill of 2-minute-noodles, instead, College became an opportunity for parental interrogation: “Are you studying enough?” one asked. “I think you’ve had enough to drink,” warned another. “You can’t spend 50 cents on noodles!” lamented a third. However, Vice Presidents of the Burgmann Residents Association, Caity and Gretel, ensured the weekend wasn’t all nagging and hugging. Beginning on Friday, the weekend consisted of an art show; lawn bowls and a Gala on Saturday, and a Mega Luigis on Sunday.
The Friday evening art show and auction on the back lawn, saw many jaws agape over the talent of our residents. From a showing of Burgmann’s 40 hours of film production to an art gallery with a special ‘Bush Doof’ mural, all proceeds from the highly competitive auction went to youth mental health charity, Amber’s White Light. Travelling to the RUC on a sunny Saturday, residents watched in awe as family members dominated outdoor lawn bowls and had awkward conversations (to the residents, anyway!).
The peak of the weekend then came hours later, as families graced the National Museum in formal cocktail attire for a Gala. Amber’s White Light’s representatives from the Wraith family spoke movingly about the ‘why’ behind their work and touched every heart there. The dance floor and photobooth received a heavy workout from the 600 attendants while ANU’s favourite clubs trembled at the approach of regulars and their parents, keen for more late-night boogies. Highlights of the weekend were then finally cemented into treasured memories over Sunday morning scones, tea and coffee on Back Lawn.
With Mums lipstick fading from our cheeks, the whole college is already looking forward to the next Family Weekend.
