Save the date to reflect, respect and celebrate Australia along The Strand and Jezzine Barracks with Townsville City Council's Australia Day events on Friday 26 January.
The family day out will include a fun run, a free Aussie breakfast, the Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony, the Beach Day Out event and foodie favourite Great Australian Bites with special guest, MasterChef Australia finalist Rhiannon Anderson.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the day of events would give Townsville residents and visitors to the area plenty to see and do on Australia Day.
"Australia Day in Townsville will kick off with a fun run at Brigadier North Park at Jezzine Barracks from 6am, followed by a free Aussie breakfast from 8am for the first 500 attendees," Cr Greaney said.
"Following that we'll have our Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Jezzine Barracks at 9am.
"Beach Day Out will run from 10.30am to 3pm along The Strand, while Great Australian Bites will run from 11am to 2pm and will offer free entry, tasting plates, pop-up food trucks and live music."
Rhiannon said she was excited to be part of Great Australian Bites this year.
"I am thrilled to be invited to share my love of local produce at Australian Bites on Australia Day," she said.
"I am passionate about cooking with locally sourced produce and couldn't be prouder of some of the incredible produce that comes right out of our region. From seafood to an incredible array of fruits, vegetables and proteins, we are very lucky indeed and look forward to showcasing on January 26."
Great Australian Bites Townsville is presented by Townsville City Council in partnership with the Queensland Government and National Australia Day Council.
The Flag Raising Ceremony is presented in conjunction with the Queensland Government, and Beach Day Out is presented in conjunction with the National Australia Day Council.
Council also supports the Survival Day event presented by Big Eye Theatre at Strand Park.
Cr Greaney said the event would showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
"We're proud to support Survival Day annually. Australia Day is a day of reflection and a time to learn about our nation's past and the future we're building towards. Understanding our nation includes understanding the history, traditions and cultures of First Nations people in Townsville," she said.
