Packed calendar for Australia Day weekend

NO matter how a person likes to spend an Australia Day long weekend, there is something to cater to them in Bendigo over the coming days.

A raft of groups have planned activities on Sunday 26 January with the main event, presented by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, taking place at Lake Weeroona from 10am to 3pm.

It will feature a barbecue, live entertainment, family activities, community displays and market.

Smaller celebrations are also scheduled for Axedale, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Heathcote, Huntly, Maiden Gully, Mia Mia and Strathfieldsaye.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Andrea Metcalf has labeled Australia Day 2025 as a time to appreciate the country’s achievements, while being respectful of First Nations Peoples.

“Australia Day is a time to acknowledge the growth and success of our nation and communities everywhere, and the people that contribute to making Australia a great place to live,” she said.

“However you choose to mark this day, it is important that we do so respectfully and recognise it can be a day of loss and mourning for many First Nations Peoples.

“It is important we all continue to grow our understanding of Australia’s history.”

Tonight sees the in-form Bendigo Spirit hosting interstate rivals Adelaide Lightning at Red Energy Arena, with free entry for children aged 14 and under.

For athletics fans, the 2024/25 Victorian Country Track & Field Championships will run from today until Sunday at Lar Birpa Athletics Complex in Flora Hill.

The Bendigo Art Gallery will also be open with free general admission including entry to the major exhibition Rob McHaffie: We are family, which winds up on 27 January.

Entry to all indoor and outdoor pools will be free on Sunday and Monday 27 January as well.

“As we gather in communities across Greater Bendigo, I encourage residents to consider what they value most about where they live and to enjoy the opportunity to spend time with family and friends,” Cr Metcalf said.