Day seeks to celebrate our nation

COMMUNITY groups across Greater Bendigo have planned a large range of festivities for this year’s Australia Day celebrations on Thursday, 26 January.

The main attraction will be held at Lake Weeroona from 10am to 3pm and be hosted by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst.

Along with the Rotary art and craft market punters will be able to enjoy family activities, community displays, live entertainment and a barbecue.

Other smaller events are also planned for Axedale, Elmore, Heathcote, Junortoun, Mia Mia, Eaglehawk, Golden Square, Huntly, Maiden Gully and Strathfieldsaye.

City of Greater of Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the day is a time to “acknowledge the success and growth of our nation and communities” and encouraged residents to “consider what they value most about where they live.”

“Thank you to the community groups and volunteers that have worked hard to plan local activities,” she said.

Cr Metcalf also said it’s important to recognise 26 January can be a day of mourning for First Nations people and to make sure the day is celebrated respectfully.

“With the support of traditional owners and First Nations people locally, I hope we can all continue to grow our understanding of what has happened in Australia’s history,” she said. “And find ways to connect with Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung culture.”

The day is also a celebration of those who’ll be formally be becoming Australians, with Cr Metcalf leading a ceremony to welcome 70 new citizens.

Both indoor and outdoor pools in the area will have free entry on the day, contact your local swimming centre to confirm times.

Head to bendigo.vic.gov.au to see what is happening in your area on the day.

Australia Day events across the region!

AXEDALE, 8am breakfast, 9am official proceedings, Axedale Park.

BENDIGO, 10am-3pm, 10.30am official proceedings, Lake Weeroona

EAGLEHAWK, 8.30am breakfast, 9.15am official proceedings, Canterbury Park Soundshell.

ELMORE, 8.30am breakfast, 8.45am official proceedings, Railway Square.

GOLDEN SQUARE, activities throughout the day, Golden Square Pool.

HEATHCOTE, 10am-2pm, Barrack Recreation Reserve.

HUNTLY, 6.30pm official proceedings, 7pm barbecue, Huntly Hall Garden of Remembrance.

JUNORTOUN, 8am breakfast, 9am official proceedings, Junortoun CFA.

MAIDEN GULLY, 7am breakfast, 8.30am official proceedings, Lions Club Community Playground.

MIA MIA, 8am start, 8.20am official proceedings, Mia Mia Mechanics Institute.

STRATHFIELDSAYE, 8am breakfast, 8.40am official proceedings, Strathfieldsaye Shops carpark.