Show your pride at region’s 2021 Australia Day activities

Show your national pride by joining Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) community award presentations and celebrations planned for Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the national day was a time to reflect on recent challenges, from bushfires and drought to the effects of the ongoing Coronavirus, while also celebrating the best aspects of living in Australia.

“We have a lot to be thankful for when you consider our good fortune to live in Australia, compared with many places around the world,” Mayor Antonio said.

“The herculean efforts of all health services workers, fellow emergency services personnel and all community agencies that pitched in to support our communities during the Coronavirus-enforced lockdown, hot on the heels of the previous year’s fires, reflect the best aspects of the Australian character.

“We should be proud and grateful to every one of these people for their commitment to keeping our community safe here and around the country.”

TRC Australia Day coordinating committee chair and Deputy Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council had COVID-19 health and safety plans in place, thanks in part to National Australia Day Council grants, to ensure residents (or award recipients at the least), could attend their respective celebrations.

“Council is pleased to be involved with regional Australia Day ceremonies at Pittsworth, Oakey, Highfields, Crows Nest, Cecil Plains, Cambooya, Clifton, Goombungee (invitation only) and the Picnic Point function in Toowoomba,” Cr McDonald said.

“Some centres are concentrating on presenting their Australia Day awards to ensure they provide a safe event for residents to enjoy.

“All events will align with the latest Queensland Health requirements that are issued. In line with current COVID-19 health advice from the state and federal governments, we remind people who are unwell to please stay at home.

“Regardless of the celebration formats, our national day is a fitting occasion to celebrate the many and varied attributes and values of our national character.

“Council and the organising committees encourage residents to fly the Aussie flag and join activities, where permissible, to share the national spirit.

“There is no better way to celebrate Australia Day than with other Australians.

“Australia Day awards will be presented to our achievers and community-minded citizens with most events featuring short flag raising functions and addresses. Councillors will be attending events across the region.”

Toowoomba’s Picnic Point function will be held from 9.30-11.30am, starting with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, flag raising and the national anthem. Mayor Antonio will present the Toowoomba service area Australia Day awards and the W. H Groom scholarship.

Regional events: Toowoomba – Picnic Point, 9.30-11.30am. Smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, flag raising, national anthem, Australia Day award presentations by the Mayor, limited supply of lamingtons, entertainers.

Pittsworth – Pittsworth Town Hall. Australia Day ceremony and award presentations from 9am followed by morning tea until 10am.

Oakey – Arthur Shooter Park, Stanley Street, Oakey, 8am to 12.30pm. Award ceremony from 8.30am, free morning tea and billy boiling competition from 9.30am. 10am: Team and individual events: a new dunny race, open and junior iron man races, dry regatta, sack races with prize presentations from noon. Bring a chair, picnic blanket, hat and sunscreen

Highfields Australia Day Awards Ceremony – Highfields Cultural Centre, 7.30-9.30am. Free breakfast with live entertainment (High Country Community band), followed by an awards ceremony at 8.15am with a guest speaker, national anthem, Welcome to Country. 

Crows Nest – Crows Nest Showgrounds. Celebrations start 4pm, awards ceremony 5pm followed by dinner at 6pm. Gold coin donation for barbecue.

Cecil Plains (incorporating Millmerran) – Cecil Plains Aquatic Centre, Cheetham St, Cecil Plains. 7-11am. Free entry and free barbecue breakfast from 7-8.30am. Australia Day presentations 9-9.45am, followed by a cuppa and swimming to 11am. Please wear togs as change rooms might not be available. Please bring own rug or chair, hat and sunscreen.

Cambooya – Cambooya Recreation Grounds, Lucy Street, 8-10.30am. Free barbecue and awards ceremony.

Clifton – Pioneer Park, King Street, Clifton. 7-9.30am. Free bacon and egg roll and awards ceremony. Please bring your own rug or chair, hat and sunscreen.

Goombungee – Goombungee Public Hall. Restricted to award recipients and invited guests. Award ceremony from 9.30am.

For a full schedule of regional events, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/australiaday