Celebrations planned across Greater Bendigo for Australia Day 2020

Communities across Greater Bendigo will celebrate Australia Day on Sunday January 26. 

Community groups are hosting events across the municipality at Lake Weeroona, Axedale, Eaglehawk, Huntly, Strathfieldsaye, Maiden Gully, Mia Mia, Heathcote, Elmore, Junortoun, Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square.  

Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said Australia Day was an opportunity to reflect on the history, growth and future of Australia.

“Wherever you are, whatever you do and however you celebrate, I hope you take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in Australia and especially Greater Bendigo,” Cr O’Rourke said. 

“There are so many ways you can spend the day – attending a community event, having a barbeque with family or friends, or enjoying one of the local pools. 

“There are a range of views about Australia Day, so it is important that we acknowledge this and continue to build greater understanding, trust and respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians and continue to walk forward together towards reconciliation.”

Cr O’Rourke said she also looked forward to the Citizenship Ceremony in the Bendigo Town Hall, when 50 people will become Australian citizens. 

In addition to the planned celebrations, there will be free entry to all indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 

Here is your guide to Australia Day events in Greater Bendigo:

Bendigo

Conducted by Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst

10am – 3pm

Official ceremony 10.30am

BBQ, live entertainment, family activities, community displays and Rotary art and craft market

Lake Weeroona, Napier Street

Axedale

Conducted by Axedale Our Town Our Future

8am – 10am

Official ceremony 8.30am

BBQ, flag raising, live music and award presentations

Axedale Hall Park, High Street

Eaglehawk

Conducted by Rotary Club of Eaglehawk Australia Day Committee

8am – 10.30am

Official ceremony 9am

Live radio broadcast, free community breakfast, Australia Day Ambassador guest speaker, Councillor address, flag raising ceremony, live music performance, presentation of Eaglehawk Citizen of the Year

Canterbury Park, Simpsons Road

Huntly

Conducted by Lions Club of Huntly Epsom

6.30pm – 8.30pm

Official ceremony 6.30pm

Free BBQ dinner, musical entertainment, jumping castle

Garden of Remembrance (next to Huntly Hall), Midland Highway

Strathfieldsaye

Conducted by 1st Strathfieldsaye Scout Group and Strathfieldsaye Lions Club

8am – 9.45am

Official ceremony 8.45am

Free BBQ breakfast, face painting, group displays

Strathfieldsaye Shopping Centre, Wellington Way

Maiden Gully

Conducted by Lions Club of Maiden Gully/Marong

7.30am – 9am

Official ceremony 8am

BBQ breakfast, live music and a jumping castle

Maiden Gully Community Centre, cnr Calder Hwy and Beckhams Road

Mia Mia

Conducted by Mia Mia Mechanics Institute Committee

8am – 11am

Official ceremony 8am

Breakfast BBQ, guest speakers

Mia Mia Mechanics Institute, Valley Road

Heathcote

Conducted by Heathcote RSL Sub-Branch Inc.

10am – 2pm

No official ceremony

BBQ breakfast provided, local performers

Barrack Reserve Park, High Street

Elmore

Conducted by Elmore Progress Association

Railway Square Elmore

8.30am – 10.00am

Official ceremony 9.15am

BBQ breakfast provided, guest speaker and live music

Railway Square, Railway Place

Junortoun

Conducted by Junortoun Community Action Group and Junortoun CFA

8am – 10am

Official ceremony 8.15am

BBQ breakfast provided

CFA Junortoun, Pope's Road

Kangaroo Flat

Conducted by Lions Club of Kangaroo Flat

7am – 10 am

Official ceremony 8.30am

BBQ breakfast and musical entertainment

Browning Street Oval (north-east corner), Kangaroo Flat

Golden Square

Conducted by the Golden Square Community Pool

8am – 6pm

Official ceremony 9am

Free community BBQ, games, competitions and prizes throughout the day, and live entertainment

Golden Square Community Pool, Maple Street