Aussie news 1 : Hot events program for Australia Day

25 Jan, 2010 07:57 AM

With temperatures set to peak at 36 degrees tomorrow Mayor Paul Toole has issued a reminder for everyone to do the Aussie thing and pop on a hat and slop on plenty of sunscreen before they head off to Australia Day events.

Australia Day will be celebrated in the region from Eglinton to Bathurst Goldfields and the historic village of Rockley to Bicentennial Park on the banks of the Macquarie River.



A wide variety of activities have been organised throughout the day to ensure there is something for all ages at a time that suits everyone.



“Australia Day is a time when, as a nation, we can come together and celebrate what’s great about Australia and being an Australian,” Cr Toole said.



“Taking part in the celebrations is a way in which we can reflect on what we’ve achieved personally and what we can be proud of as a nation.



“Council has planned a fantastic Australia Day celebration for the whole community,” he said.



The day begins early at Eglinton with the traditional flag raising ceremony and barbecue breakfast from 8.00am.



The Eglinton Hall Committee has also organised a number of activities for children of all ages.



“Eglinton’s War Memorial Hall has just completed its renovations and Australia Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase it to local residents,” Cr Toole said.



Seventeen people will commit to becoming Australian citizens at this year’s naturalisation ceremony at the Bathurst Goldfields from 10.00am.



“This is a very proud moment for me,” Cr Toole said.



“To see these individuals and families making a commitment to be an Australian is something very moving, and Australia Day is the perfect time to do it.”



This year the village celebrations will be held at the Rockley sportsground from 11.00am to 2.00pm. The community has organised a number of activities including stalls, displays and local music. A free barbecue lunch will also be included.



A community bus will travel to and from Rockley for a small donation. The bus will leave Bathurst Visitor Information Centre car park at 10.30am. To book a seat, contact the centre on 1800 68 1000.



Celebrations continue at Bicentennial Park from 3:00pm. There will be plenty of live entertainment taking place on the Australia Day stage.



The official part of the day will see Bathurst’s Australia Day Ambassador, Peter Wilkins making his address, alongside the Citizen of the Year and the Young Citizen of the Year.



The Australia Day Open Air Cinema will this year screen Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.