January 18, 2021

Australia Day is fast approaching and Gunnedah Shire residents are invited to a range of community events honouring the 2021 Australia Day theme: ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.’ View the Program here.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey said Australia Day was a chance for the community to unite after a challenging year and celebrate our opportunities and achievements.

“This year’s theme encourages us to reflect on our nation’s true history of the First Nations people - the world’s oldest living culture. We also reflect on our modern history, multicultural heritage and the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians,” Cr Chaffey said.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Australia Day Committee Cr Rob Hooke said Australia Day was a day to celebrate the strength of the Gunnedah community spirit.

“The challenges of 2020 have highlighted how fortunate we are to live in Australia, especially here in the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Hooke said.

“In particular, this year we thank those frontline and essential workers who have worked tirelessly to keep our community strong. The Australia Day Awards will help us recognise the contributions of local citizens who enrich our community and inspire us all.

“Our Australia Day ambassador is former Wallabies star and Gunnedah resident Tim Gavin. In 2018 Tim was inducted into the Rugby Australia Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to the sport and demonstration of the game’s core vales both on and off the field.

“This Australia Day I encourage the community to get out and celebrate being Australian together. Whether you attend one of the community events on offer, cool off with a swim at the pool or enjoy a barbeque with friends and family at home, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Events and Engagement Office Jacinta Cipolla said the upcoming Australia Day program offered plenty of classic Aussie fun.

“Festivities will commence with the Awards Dinner on January 25 from 6:30pm, where our Australia Day Award recipients will be announced and we will hear from our ambassador Tim Gavin,” Ms Cipolla said.

“The much loved Raft and Craft Race is also back for 2021, kicking off at 9am at Cushans Reserve.

“One of the highlights of the Australia Day line-up will be the Citizenship Ceremony, held under the gums at Anzac Park. This year we will welcome four new Australian citizens to our Shire.

“As part of the celebrations, Council is providing free entry to the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool throughout the day and the Civic Cinema will be holding a free Australia Day movie screening of Babe at 1:30pm.

“A range of other community run events will also be on offer. Check out the full program for details.”

All events have a COVIDSafe plan in place, and attendees will be required to follow NSW Health advice.

For further information about Australia Day events and bookings, visit www.thecivic.com.au

A copy of the entry form for the Raft and Craft Race is available here.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.