North West Queensland residents will get a flavour of Australia this week, with the region combining generous helpings of its best food, music and activities as part of a family-friendly Australia Day events program.
An annual highlight of the program is the popular food and music event, Great Australian Bites – this year held in Flinders.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Australia Day was a time for Queenslanders to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia's national day.
"Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate our great lifestyle and to acknowledge our history," the Premier said.
"Communities large and small are the foundation of our multicultural country, and I encourage all Queenslanders, far and wide, to come together to celebrate on our national day.
"With the Great Australian Bites event also taking place, it's the perfect time to soak up the best of summer with good food, music and fun for all the family.
"We are all so lucky to live in Queensland, and my Government is proud to continue its work to promote our State's wonderful diversity."
This year, the Australia Day Ambassador Program is connecting Queensland communities with 48 proud, high-achieving Queenslanders who'll participate in council-run events and activities across the state.
Founder of Breaking Down the Barriers for Rural Patients in City Hospitals Justine Christerson, 2012 Queensland Great Emeritus Professor Ken Donald AO, and 2014 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year Dr Robert McGregor will be among the Australia Day Ambassadors attending events in North West Queensland this month.
Justine Christerson said the Australia Day Ambassador Program allowed her the opportunity to travel to regional, rural and remote parts of Queensland to celebrate what it means to be Australian.
"I get to be celebrate with communities who come together as mates, while celebrating those who are achieving great things at school, at work and in their community," Ms Christerson said. "They are inspiring while making their region great."
Hughenden Recreational Lake will be an idyllic backdrop for Hughenden's Great Australian Bites celebration on 26 January – this is the first time Palaszczuk Government has partnered with Flinders Shire Council to present the event.
Family and friends will be able to enjoy an afternoon lakeside with swimming, boating, fishing, and a range of outdoor games. In addition, 'pick up a picnic' BBQ packs and use of the barbeque facilities at the lake will be on offer to cook up a storm while listening to live music.
The Australia Day Ambassador Program and Australia Day program of events are proudly supported by the Palaszczuk Government in partnership with the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
North West Queensland councils participating in the Australia Day program of events include Cloncurry Shire Council, Flinders Shire Council and Mckinlay Shire Council.
