On January 26, members of the Griffith community are invited to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate.
Chairperson of Griffith's Australia Day Working Group, Councillor Christine Stead, said Australia Day 2021 will provide an important opportunity for Griffith to reflect on the challenges of the past year, respect the sacrifices and contributions of those who responded in a time of need and celebrate being together and being Australian.
"In the past year Australia has faced immense challenges – drought, bushfire, floods and the coronavirus pandemic," Councillor Stead said.
"Australia Day 2021 is a day for us to respect and thank the first responders and frontline workers who worked through fire, flood and pandemic to protect life and property, to support their communities and to keep our nation going.
"We reflect on the resilience of our community and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.
"And we celebrate our proud multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to."
Councillor Stead said Australia Day is also a day to reflect on our nation's past – a history which began more than 65,000 years ago with the First Australians – the world's oldest living culture.
"This is a day on which we can respect and share the stories, histories and contributions of everyday Australians, because we're all part of the story of Australia," she said.
"We have some wonderful nominees to celebrate this year, please show your support."
The official Australia Day celebration in Griffith will be held at Griffith Regional Theatre where 29 new citizens will be welcomed and worthy Australia Day Award winners celebrated.
Griffith's Australia Day Ambassador this year is Keith Potger AO, co-founding member with internationally-famous Australian pop act The Seekers.
He was Patron of the renowned children's charity Variety WA from 2001/2009 and, until recently, was on the Board of Directors of Support Act Limited, the charity that is the heart and hand of the Australian music industry.
Keith is a Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Western Australia and a Celebrity Ambassador for Variety Victoria and Variety International. Keith frequently performs at charity concerts within his touring schedule.
The nominations for 2020 are:
Citizen of the Year
Michelle Bordignon (previous winner 2014)
Dolf Murwood
Robert Cappello
Theo Bollen
Tony Floyd
Ann Furner
Young Citizen
Cadet Corporal Sam Robinson
Oscar and Harrison Floyd
Community Project of the Year
Griffith Meals on Wheels
Yenda Skate Park
Environmental Citizen of the Year
Hampers of Hope
Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Ellie Matthews
Sports Team of the Year
Hanwood Football Club All Age Women's Team
The winner of each category will be announced at the official ceremony at Griffith Regional Theatre commencing at 10am on Tuesday, 26 January, 2021. (Please arrive by 9:30am to be seated).
This will be a COVID-safe event, with limited tickets available through Eventbrite.
Other events being held on the day include, Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre's free entry day for the swimming pool and Pioneer Park Museum's Aussie Yarn, A Few Quiet Ales, from 6pm. This brand new show is directed by Don Hillam and performed by Peter Cox and Stephen Holt. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite and include entry and BBQ, with pre-show entertainment by Stickie Fingers.
