On Thursday 26 January the Griffith community is encouraged to Reflect, Respect and Celebrate our nation and our people.
Australia Day 2023 will present a particularly poignant and special opportunity to recognise the resilience of Australians and to focus on what we can achieve as a community and nation.
Griffith's Australia Day Ambassador, Khushaal Vyas will offer inspiration and share his optimistic messages and stories. Known for his work as a lawyer from Western Sydney who is passionate about social justice, diversity and inclusion, Khushaal Vyas is proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador and to visit Griffith to join in community celebrations.
Griffith Mayor, Doug Curran, is excited that Khushaal Vyas will join Griffith on such an important day.
"Australia Day is an opportunity for everyone living in Griffith to think about what it means to be Australian and is an opportunity to reconnect with each other. Our national day is a time to reflect on and celebrate strong signs of hope and solidarity. It is this spirit of togetherness that gives us strength to continue to see the value of the positive," said Councillor Curran.
"In Griffith, we recognise and acknowledge our First Nations people and we respect the contributions of all Australians. On Australia Day we recognise that everyone plays a role in shaping our nation's future while also taking the time to reflect on our past."
The official Australia Day celebration in Griffith will be held at Griffith Regional Theatre where new 64 new citizens will be welcomed and worthy Australia Day Award winners celebrated.
Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council and Council have partnered to present the family friendly Survival Day 2023 event at the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre from 11am to 5pm.
This exciting event is open to all, no matter where you're from, where you're going, or your walk of life. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate together. Survival Day 2023 will feature special guests, performances, stalls and much more.
The nominations for 2022 are:
Citizen of the Year
Oscar and Margaret Bandiera
Bruno Brombal
Sanita Lole
Valerie Woodland
Colin Beaton
Patricia Cox
Sister Patricia Johnson
Pauline Dance
Hank Veenhuizen and Terry Walsh
Young Citizen
Michael Lanza
Zavian Williams
Community Project of the Year
Griffith Community Centre
Griffith Women on Fire Program
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Nicole Taylor
Tess Jamieson
Charlee King
Reif Leich
Timeeka Coleman
Shamia Williams
Mackenzie Hassan
Jack Johns
Sportsperson of the Year
Blake Testoni
Scott Bardney
Josh Stapleton
Sports Team of the Year
Griffith East Public School Girls AFL Team
Griffith Netball U15s Representative Team
Murrumbidgee Regional High School U14s Rugby League Team
Griffith East Public School Netball Team
Griffith Demons Basketball U12s Representative Team
Club Person of the Year
Michael Crosato
Peter Stockwell
The winner of each category will be announced at the official ceremony at Griffith Regional Theatre commencing at 10am on Thursday 26 January, 2023. (Please arrive by 9:45am to be seated).
