On 26 January members of the Northern Grampians community are invited to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate - because we are all part of the story.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson, said Australia Day 2021 will provide an important opportunity for all Northern Grampians communities to reflect on the challenges of the past year, respect the sacrifices and contributions of those who responded in a time of need and celebrate being together and being Australian.
"In the past year Australia has faced immense challenges - drought, bushfire, floods and the coronavirus pandemic," Cr Emerson said.
"Australia Day 2021 is a day for us to respect and thank the first responders and frontline workers who worked through fire, flood and pandemic to protect life and property, to support their communities and to keep our nation going.
"We reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.
"And we celebrate our nation's place in the world - a proud multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to."
Cr Emerson said Australia Day is also a day to reflect on our nation's past. "It is also a day on which we respect and share the stories, histories and contributions of everyday Australians, because we're all part of the story of Australia."
Official Australia Day celebrations will kick off in St Arnaud with a free community breakfast hosted by St Arnaud Lions and Rotary Clubs at Market Square at 8am on 26 January 2021.
Then at 9am, the Australia Day Awards Presentations commence and are followed by morning tea in the St Arnaud Town Hall hosted by the Queen Mary Gardens Committee.
Later in the day at Cato Park in Stawell, the Australia Day Awards Presentations commence at 6pm and once the formalities are over, a free community barbecue hosted by the Stawell Rotary Club and family activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, and jumping castle will be available for all to attend.
All events will be managed in line with COVIDSafe principles and attendees will be encouraged to comply with current Victorian Government public health advice. At some venues marquees and market umbrellas will be spaced to create additional zones and social distancing to reduce mixing of patrons and environmental and personal hygiene measures will be administered.
Community run events are also scheduled in the smaller towns of Marnoo and Stuart Mill.
