Barbeque breakfasts, live music, awards, cricket, and even pumpkin bowls are in order across the region as community prepares to mark Australia Day on January 26.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Tamworth Regional Council is organising and supporting events across the region for the community to reflect, respect and celebrate our nation and our people.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said he is thrilled that there are so many events across the region for our communities to enjoy.
"January is already a wonderful time of year to be in Tamworth, so we're thrilled as a Council to be able to hold events across our towns and villages which call for reflection but also celebration as we come together," said Cr Webb.
Celebration highlights will include Australia Day Awards ceremonies at Tamworth, Barraba, Manilla and Nundle, recognising those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community. Gumboots, thongs and pumpkins will be tossed at Kootingal's community breakfast, Woolomin will take to the pitch for the annual Australia Day cricket match, home-made meat pies are on the menu in Bendemeer as part of a family fun day, and those in Tamworth will be able to finish the day with fireworks at the end of the Back to the Buskers: True Blue Edition concert in Bicentennial Park.
Events have been made possible by assistance from the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, and with the support of local community groups. A full list of events across the Tamworth region for Australia Day include:
Barraba – The Barraba Australia Day Awards will take place from 6pm at the Barraba Golf Club. From 7:30pm enjoy a BBQ and live entertainment from Nookie & the Free Spirits.
Bendemeer – There's something for all the family at the Bendemeer Hotel from 10am. Enjoy live entertainment including walk-up acts, and family games with the bistro open from 11:30am.
Kootingal – The Kootingal and District Lions Club will be hosting an Aussie breakfast in Memory Park at 8am followed by an Australia Day Address. After the address enjoy games including thong toss, pumpkin bowls, and gumboot toss. Breakfast is a gold coin donation.
Manilla – The Manilla Matters S355 committee have organized a fun morning for all. Enjoy a breakfast by the Manilla Lions Club in Pioneer Park from 8am, followed by the Australia Day awards ceremony at 9am.
Nundle – Nundle will hold an Australia Day awards ceremony at 6:30pm at the Nundle Bowling Club. Stay for dinner and enjoy live entertainment by Mickey and May.
Tamworth – Tamworth can begin the day with a church service at Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall at 7:30am, followed by a barbecue breakfast with free egg, sausage and bacon rolls at 8:15am thanks to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. From 10am it's a big day for many as we officially welcome new residents to our country and community with the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, followed by the Tamworth Australia Day Awards. In the evening be entertained by the Toyota Best of the Buskers: True Blue Edition concert in Bicentennial Park, with the night ending in fireworks at 9:45pm.
Woolomin – Join the Woolomin Wombats Cricket Team at the Woolomin Recreation Grounds for a great day of social cricket and entertainment starting at 11am. After the game, head to the Dungowan Hotel for live entertainment.
