Celebrate achievements of our communities this Australia Day

Ararat Rural City residents are invited to come together to reflect, respect, and celebrate Australia Day with an array of activities held across municipality on Thursday, January 26.

Start your day at Alexandra Oval Community Centre, grab a free BBQ breakfast from the Ararat Lions Club at 9am, come cheer the Ararat City Band, support members of our community at the annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony, followed by the Citizenship Ceremony to welcome our newest Australians.

The annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be delivered by Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong, and a special guest.

Staged outdoors in Alexandra Gardens (near the Gardens Lake Café end) is ‘Picnic in the Park’. The free family-friendly event features a live performance by local musician Chris Meek, local food vendors, free children’s activities including a petting zoo and complimentary soft serves from midday onwards.

Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Armstrong said the Australia Day encourages the community to connect with family, friends, and the wider community.

“Community is at the heart of our national day, and it is also a time to honour and recognise the achievements of members of our community who make a real difference,” Cr Armstrong said.

“On Australia Day, we respect the contributions of Australians by acknowledging outstanding residents through Council’s Australia Day Awards.

“It’s also an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate our newest Australian citizens and the incredible tapestry of different backgrounds and cultures that make our country unique.

“The Australian spirit is about lending a hand, our resilience, and the strength of a united community. Our national day is a chance for us to celebrate, respect and reflect on our story as a nation, one that inspires progress.”

From midday onwards, Council will be hosting ‘Picnic in the Park’ which will take place in Alexandra Gardens – this is a community celebration inclusive of music, children’s entertainment, and food trucks. Perhaps cool down at Ararat Olympic Outdoor Pool, Willaura Outdoor Memorial Pool or Lake Bolac Peter O’rorke Memorial Pool, with free entry to the pools and a complimentary barbecue.

Australia Day events are free. For more information, visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au or contact Josie Frawley on (03) 5355 0200.