Shire’s Australia Day ceremony goes online

THE Surf Coast Shire council will not be running its usual Australia Day events this year due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but people can still join the experience online.

Instead of the annual popular gatherings in Torquay and Anglesea on January 26, the shire will run an online event from 10.30am that will include music from the Billy Tea Bush Band, speeches from Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton, Australia Day ambassadors and Local Legends award recipients.

The shire has revealed seven Local Legends so far: the Surf Coast Environment Action Team, Keshava Jenkins, Keith Grossman, Murray Heard, John McDonald, Paul Sgouromallis and Tony Whelan.

A live Citizenship Ceremony filmed in the council chamber will conclude with the singing of the national anthem.

“On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate the things that make our country great: the people, the land, our diversity, sense of a fair go, lifestyle and freedoms,” the shire’s website states.

“This year, it’s safest to come together from a distance. 

“So, we have created a special event online to reflect on our national journey and commit to making our country even better in the future.”

For more information, including a link to the online event closer to the date, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/Community-Calendar/Australia-Day-2021.