Mildura Rural City Council's Australia Day celebrations will go ahead this year at a new location and with a new format amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
The popular event is a chance for local residents to come together and celebrate what it means to be Australians, as well as acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our Australia Day Award recipients, who were chosen from an impressive 15 nominees.
Mildura's Australia Day celebration will be held at the Mildura Station Homestead on Tuesday 26 January starting at 8am.
It will be a free, ticketed event, ensuring crowd numbers no larger than 500, in line with current public health regulations. Tickets will be available from Monday 18 January at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/AusDay
Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said it was important our community was able to mark these special days wherever possible, despite the pandemic.
"Part of what makes us Australians, and a trait we're recognised for, is our ability to triumph in the face of adversity," Cr Modica said.
"It's something I'm proud to see our community has done over the past 12 months, battling drought, dust storms and the ever present pandemic. Australia Day is a chance to recognise and celebrate these strengths, as well as taking time out from these challenges.
"It's a chance to celebrate our rich and ever changing identity as more and more people from across the globe call Australia, and our region, home each year.
"I think it's also important that we recognise and reflect on the rich, strong and enduring culture that lies at the heart of our country, and the ongoing connection our First Peoples have with the land."
Cr Modica said this year's event would look a little different to previous years to ensure the safety of attendees.
He said despite these differences, residents could still look forward to many of the regular features and attractions that make Australia Day special.
This includes the presentations of this year's Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Project of the Year.
Nominations for the 2021 Mildura Rural City Council Australia Day Awards are:
Citizen of the Year
Barbara Pate
The late John Barnes
Jeanie Schmidt
Renee Kelly
Bryce Pritchard
Carly Heintze
Young Citizen of the Year
Ella Beard
Kirsty Heintze
Lisa Hocking
Luka Morzer-Bruyns
Prue Dodemaide
Sophia Craig
Sophie McAliece
Community Event/Project of the Year
Mallee Living Histories Group for the Mallee Living Histories Project
Fun and Fitness with Chris
Attendees will also be able to enjoy a free Mildura Lions Club breakfast, including a bacon and egg roll and juice or water. There will also be a coffee van at the event.
Acoustic duo Andrea and Iwan will perform live at the event in between official proceedings.
This year the Mayor will also preside over two Australian Citizenship ceremonies to be hosted virtually later in the day. Our two newest citizens hail from Zimbabwe and Brazil and will add to our community's diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.
Residents are welcome to bring their own picnic breakfast along with them. Picnic rugs and chairs are BYO with social distancing and mask requirements to be observed while at the event.
Residents planning to attend our Australia Day event are encouraged to take note of any forecast warmer weather and prepare accordingly, including wearing a hat, applying sunscreen and drinking plenty of water on the day.
Visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/AusDay
