This year’s Australia Day theme is ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’, which down to is apt considering the year we’ve had.
As a country, we’ve braved catastrophic bushfires and combated drought and flood, with communities coming together to assist. The world was turned upside down with the news of a global COVID pandemic. We are still propped up by our frontline workers: nurses, doctors, ambulance crews, police as well as essential workers in shops, petrol stations and driving trucks.
Australia Day is a day to celebrate the marvellous diversity of our nation as a whole, as well as in our communities. We honour the first nations people and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures. People of all races and cultures are invited to call themselves Australians. We honour the hard work of everyday citizens who excel to benefit others.
Usual celebrations have been scaled down to be COVIDsafe this year.
Here’s a list of what’s on in the Hilltops:
Harden-Murrumburrah
Newson Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair or rug.
8am
Breakfast commences, with entertainment by local musicians and singers
Australia Day Awards Ceremony Welcome.
Ambassador Address from Graham Ross Radio personality and TV Presenter on Better Homes & Gardens Award Presentation.
Australian National Anthem.
Young
Young Town Hall.
9.30am
Australia Day Official Ceremony starts with a welcome by Hilltops Council.
Citizenship Ceremony and Australian Affirmation Ceremony.
Introduction of Australia Day Ambassador Geoff Lawson, former Australian Cricketer and former Coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team.
Australia Day Award announcements with presentations of Business Award, Junior Citizen and Citizen of the Year.
Boorowa
Australia Day Official Ceremony. Bookings essential: Boorowa Ex-Services Club 02 6385 3338.
9.30am
Flag Raising and National Anthem.
Blessing of the Day.
Official Speeches.
Australia Day, Landcare, Community, Sports, Rotary Young Achiever, Lion/Apex Citizen of the Year Awards.
11am
Rotary Rubber Duck Draw.
Australia Day Community Luncheon Bookings essential: Boorowa Ex-Services Club 02 6385 3338.
1.30pm
Bowls: Boorowa Ex-Services Club.
2.00pm
Children’s Fun Run: Boorowa Recreation Club.
4.00pm
Balladeers and Yarn Spinners: Boorowa Recreation Club.
5.00pm
Golf: Boorowa Recreation Club.
WOMBAT
Wagenbah Oval
The official program will include the presen tation of Awards of Citizen and Sportsperson (senior and junior), and Environment Achievement Award (senior and junior). Address from Ambassador Graham Ross. Celebrations will also include a tractor pull, antique engine display, vintage cars, best dressed Australiana, market stalls, free sausage sizzle and Best Decorated Bike Award.
