From children's activities to welcoming our newest Australians, the Western Downs will come alive this Australia Day as the region unites to celebrate all things great about being an Aussie.
Western Downs Regional Council is partnering with local community groups to host events throughout the region on 26 January, giving residents the opportunity to head outdoors, have some fun, celebrate our country, our region, and 'the people that make it'.
Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said Australia Day was a time to demonstrate community pride and encourages everyone to get involved and enjoy their local celebrations.
"Australia Day is a time to come together and have a good time with your friends, family, and community, to reflect on what it means to be Australian and relish our region's vibrant culture," Cr Maguire said.
"Six Australia Day events will take place across the region on Thursday 26 January 2023, with each event offering a delicious breakfast and a range of family activities such as live music, games, and amusements. Residents are encouraged to join in the fun and food and drinks, and other goodies will be available to purchase on the day.
"We know that it's the people that make our communities the active, vibrant places that they are and one of the highlights of our Australia Day events is that we get to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the incredible people who go above and beyond in their local communities through Council's Australia Day Awards.
"Australia Day Awards ceremonies will be held at each local event, highlighting our region's most exceptional residents and the contributions they have made to the Western Downs in a huge variety of disciplines – from our Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year to our amazing sports people, artists, volunteers and community groups."
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the day was also an important opportunity to both celebrate our current residents and welcome our newest Australian citizens in a special Citizenship Ceremony to take place in Dalby.
"The Citizenship Ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of our Australia Day celebrations where we officially welcome our newest Australians to the region with open arms," Cr McVeigh said.
"The Australian Citizenship Ceremony is an important occasion, and one of the most special honours I have as Mayor.
"I invite everyone to head along to your local Australia Day celebrations to welcome our newest Australians, congratulate the winners of the Australia Day awards, and celebrate everything that is great about living in Australia and the Western Downs".
Australia Day Events kick off from 7am and will be held in Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara, and Wandoan, with each event offering delicious food and a range of family activities such as live music, games, and amusements.
