Greater Shepparton residents are getting ready for Australia Day, with celebrations set to be held around the region on January 26.
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Greater Shepparton City Council has confirmed ceremonies, events and entertainment will be held to mark the day in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Dookie, Arcadia, Toolamba and Murchison.
These celebrations will feature flag-raising ceremonies, guest speakers, Australia Day ambassadors, entertainment and the presentation of the 2020 Australia Day Awards.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Seema Abdullah encouraged all residents to come together on the day and celebrate what it means to be Australia.
“Australia Day is a day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge our history,” she said.
“We encourage all residents to take pride in their country on January 26 and reflect on who we are as a nation ... Australia Day is a day for people from every walk of life to celebrate the things we love about our country.”
The following events will take place in Greater Shepparton on Australia Day:
Shepparton
Where: Queen’s Gardens.
When: 8.45 am.
The citizenship ceremony will be conducted and Australia Day awards will be presented. There will also be free food for brunch available along with musical entertainment by Jessica Loraine and children’s activities.
Ambassador: Ann Peacock. Ms Peacock is general manager of community and charity at Crown. Her role acts as the face and voice of Crown, both to the public and to the business people of Melbourne.
Arcadia
Where: Arcadia Recreation Reserve and Community Centre.
When: 8 am.
A free breakfast will be available.
Ambassador: Lindy Allen. Ms Allen has been involved in the arts industry for four decades. She is now chief executive officer of both Regional Arts Victoria and Regional Arts Australia.
Dookie
Where: CWA Gardens.
When: 10 am.
Dookie CWA and Dookie Lions Club will provide Devonshire teas. There will be time for people to meet, mingle and enjoy the day.
Ambassador: Paul Guerra. Mr Guerra is chief executive officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria — a member-based, not-for-profit organisation with a history of more than 165 years. The society is best known for conducting the Royal Melbourne Show, Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, Australia Food Awards and the Australian International Beer Awards.
Mooroopna
Where: Ferrari Park.
When: 10.30 am.
There will be a flag-raising ceremony and an address by a key note speaker. Mooroopna Australia Day awards will also be presented. Official proceedings will be followed by a sausage sizzle.
Ambassador: Craig Opie. Mr Opie is one of Victoria’s most successful and influential tourism business leaders. He was managing director of Colonial Tramcar Restaurants and Eureka Skydeck. His success and service to the industry has seen him recognised with numerous awards and plaudits.
Murchison
Where: Murchison Swimming Pool.
When: 8 am.
Attendees will hear from guest speaker Graeme Begg and will be able to enjoy a barbecue breakfast followed by the presentation of Australia Day awards.
Special guest: Graeme Begg. Dr Begg attended school and played sport in Murchison, and now is a geologist of world renown, conducting lectures for many universities and business groups. Dr Begg was also instrumental in the organisation of the Murchison meteorite 50th anniversary celebrations, obtaining speakers from the United States.
Tatura
Where: Tatura Italian Social Club.
When: 8.30 am.
A free breakfast will be held from 8.30 am. Australia Day awards will be presented and a morning tea will be held at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Special guest: Daniel Baer. Mr Baer was born and raised in Tatura, attending Tatura Primary School followed by Mooroopna Secondary College. He completed a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and PhD at the University of Melbourne, and then went on to work for Australian Defence Industries at its Mulwala explosives factory.
Toolamba
Where: Toolamba Recreation Reserve.
When: 11 am.
Australia Day awards will be presented and a free barbecue will take place at the end of proceedings.
Ambassador: Lindy Allen.