Queensland communities prepare to mark Australia Day
- From the coast to the outback, Queensland communities gearing up to mark Australia Day
- Townsville Flag Raising Ceremony to kick off official Queensland program of Australia Day events
- 38 Australia Day events to run across the state featuring remarkable Queenslanders, local produce and live entertainment
From the Cape to Coolangatta and from Brisbane to the outback, Queensland councils and communities are getting ready to serve up a wide spread of exciting Australia Day events.
The vibrant mix of activities will offer Queenslanders an opportunity to come together, reflect on our history, and respectfully celebrate our national day.
The Crisafulli Government's Australia Day program features Great Australian Bites events in Aurukun, Bargara, Brisbane, Cloncurry, Rockhampton, and Winton.
These events will showcase the best of Queensland's homegrown produce, with live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
The Crisafulli Government's Australia Day Program also includes the annual Flag Raising Ceremony at Townsville's Jezzine Barracks, featuring the Australian Defence Force Royal Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute.
In Brisbane, former Olympian Brooke Hanson OLY OAM will swap her swimming cap for a chef's hat, joining celebrity cooks Miguel Maestre and Peter Kuruvita for a day of food and culture at the Great Australian Bites event at South Bank.
Thirty-nine notable Queenslanders will travel across the State to participate in 38 council events, sharing their inspiring stories as part of the Australia Day Ambassador program.
Premier David Crisafulli said Australia Day was meaningful for every Queenslander.
"Australia Day is an annual reminder of just how lucky we all are to call this great country home," Mr Crisafulli said.
"It's a special day for me, as the son of a migrant I think of my late grandfather who came to this country with nothing more than a dream, and an attitude of rolling up his sleeves and getting to work.
"This is a place where you can start anew, a place where dreams come true, and a place where anyone from any background can get a fair go and succeed.
"We also have the longest running continuous culture in the world, which is something we should be proud of, and something we should celebrate.
"Whether you were born here or have made Australia your home, Australia Day is a day where we come together, reflect on our history and recognise the contributions of inspiring Queenslanders.
"Whether you are honouring the day by celebrating at a community event, with a snag on the barbie among neighbours, or by reflecting on your family heritage and your Australian story like I do, I wish every Queenslander a happy Australia Day."
Celebrity chef, Miguel Maestre, said he was looking forward to celebrating Australia Day at Great Australian Bites in South Bank's Riverside Green.
"I'm thrilled to be part of this wonderful event that brings people together to celebrate and honour Australia's incredible culture and diversity," Miguel said.
"Queensland is home to some of the best produce in the world and I can't wait to showcase it in a fun and interactive cooking demonstration."
Australia Day Ambassador, Justine Christerson said she was excited to travel to the Blackall-Tambo region to be a part of the celebrations.
"Australia Day is a day where across the country we have the opportunity to say we are proud to be Australian and celebrate those who make our country great," Justine said.
"I love being an Australia Day Ambassador because I am included in not only celebrating Australia but celebrating everyday Australian's who are doing extra ordinary things at work, school, on the sporting field, and for their communities."
"It truly is a privilege to be an Australia Day Ambassador and I'm looking forward to being part of the celebrations this year in Blackall-Tambo, including the opening of the new Truck Museum – my father was a truckie, so this year feels extra special."
