Council News for 25/1/2017

Today’s local events and celebrating Australia Day reflect the diversity of what it means to be Australian, and are recognition of the Australia Day Council’s theme, #AustraliaDay – Your Way.

The community breakfast at Eglinton is a traditional start to the day with a barbecue breakfast, flag raising ceremony, car displays and some old fashioned novelty races for the young and young at heart.

Celebrations then move to Machattie Park where 36 residents from 13 different countries will become Australia’s newest citizens at a citizenship ceremony and the Australia Day awards where we pay tribute to our citizen, young citizen of the year, the event of the year winners and the Youth Art award winner.

This afternoon it is time to drop by Bathurst Aquatic Centre where there will be free entry from 12 noon with water activities, jumping castles, live entertainment and the Australia Day essential – a sausage sizzle.  There is something for everyone.

We are fortunate to be joined by members of the Special Olympics Dance Group for our celebrations. This group of committed and passionate young people have embraced the challenges life has given them and through their love of dance and performance they demonstrate their achievements, determination and abilities.

A common thread through all of our celebrations is the commitment of many of improving the quality of life for those in our community. The volunteers who support the Eglinton celebrations , the behind the scenes work of our citizen and young citizen of the year, and dedication of the community groups that plan and deliver events and activities throughout the year and the artistic creativity of those nominated for the youth arts awards.

No matter how you chose to celebrate Australia Day, take the time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a great nation and a diverse, prosperous regional city.  Make sure you celebrate #AustraliaDay – Your Way.