Olympics photos: Memories of when torch relay came to Dubbo

As Olympics excitement builds, take a look at pictures of the famed torch’s journey through regional NSW when Sydney hosted the games 21 years ago.

Excitement is building with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics around the corner and Aussies preparing to cheer on their favourite competitors as they battle it out for the ultimate sporting glory.

To celebrate the occasion, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to when the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay travelled through Dubbo on September 1 and 2, 2000.

Nathan Peckham with giraffe Jerry during Dubbo to Orange leg of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Robert McKell

Thousands gathered for a celebration at Apex Oval and to see the Olympic flame when it arrived after earlier stops at Tamworth and Coonabarabran.

Artist and basketballer Nathan Peckham was among the Dubbo torchbearers and he spoke to us about his memories of the once-in-a-lifetime experience taking the torch through the iconic Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

“It was a pretty big deal for me, there was a lot of international media and a lot of community members,” he said.

“It was a bit of blur.”

Then a 23-year-old, Mr Peckham said torchbearers had to be nominated to take part in the relay.

“I’m still not 100 per cent sure who nominated me, no one’s really come forward and said they nominated me I’ve got a suspicion it was someone from the family.

“Around that time I’d just been over to Samoa as part of the international games over there, I was part of the Australian indigenous team and we won a silver medal.

“I was heavily involved in basketball and known also for my art work in the community.”

Nathan Peckham said like with the Olympics united the nation. Picture: Robert McKell

Of special significance to Mr Peckham was the recognition being a torchbearer provided not only him, but the local Aboriginal community past and present, on whose land the unifying flame was carried.

“My family are among the direct descendants of the Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri people for Dubbo so this is my family’s traditional homeland,” he said.

“To represent Dubbo in that regard as well was a privilege.

“It was over 20 years ago now and people still remember that around town. It was really nice to have that recognition for what I’d done personally but also to represent my family and the Aboriginal community.”

See the Olympic spirit on full display in the pictures below, of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay travelling through regional NSW.

Benjamin McGregor runs through streets of Wellington during Dubbo to Orange leg of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Angelo Soulas

John South runs thorough streets of Orange during Orange to Bathurst leg of Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Pip Blackwood

Torchbearers, former Olympian Ian O'Brien and Wellington Paralympian Ben Austin before their runs in the Dubbo to Orange leg of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Pip Blackwood

Runner Sarah Martin shows the Olympic Torch to students at Mullaley Public School prior to participating in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay between Tamworth and Coonabarabran. Picture: Robert McKell

Brian Tink and escort Heidi Russell run through Dubbo as they take part in 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Robert McKell

Runner Ross Dunkley during the Dubbo to Orange leg of Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Robert McKell.

Excited locals in Coonabarabran watch as the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay passes through town. Picture: Robert McKell

Bryan Johnson runs through streets of Wellington during Dubbo to Orange leg of Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Angelo Soulas

Peter Paige during Dubbo to Orange leg of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Angelo Soulas

John Southwood and Louise Hawkey during Orange to Bathurst leg of the 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Angelo Soulas

Nathan Peckham passes through Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Picture: Angelo Soulas. Games

Bridget Hyem standing next to horse Kibah Tic Toc as the torch made its way from Tamworth to Coonabarabran.

Torchbearers David Trowbridge, Narelle Alexander, Heather Woodhouse and Lorna Wood at Molong railway station prior to their leg of the relay.

Heather Woodhouse runs thorough streets of Molong during Dubbo to Orange leg of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Angelo Soulas

Timothy Sullivan during Dubbo to Orange leg of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Angelo Soulas

Zoltan Vincze, Tanya Clark, Sharon Clark and Brendan Seckold prepare for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay to come to Bathurst. Picture: Pip Blackwood

Former athlete Marjorie Jackson (Nelson) with flame as she runs through her home town of Lithgow during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. Picture: Pip Blackwood.

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