Celebrate on the Western Downs this Australia Day

The Western Downs is the place to be this Australia Day, as communities across the region step out for a wonderful day of celebrating our country, the region, and the people that make it.

 Council is partnering with local community groups to host several wonderful events around the region on 26 January and is encouraging everyone to come and enjoy the celebrations.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said Australia Day was about showing community pride and celebrating our fantastic region and country.

“Australia Day is a time to come together as a community, enjoying a good time with your friends and family and celebrating the many valuable contributions that our residents make to our region and our country,” Cr McVeigh said.

“Council has partnered with some of our fantastic local community groups and clubs to host events in six towns across the region, so there is certain to be something for everyone.”

“Not only do we get to relish in all the family fun, but our Australia Day events are also a chance to recognise and celebrate those incredible people who are true advocates for their local communities as part of our prestigious Australia Day Awards.

“It is important to recognise the role of residents who go out of their way to make their mark in the vibrant, active region we live in.

“Our Australia Day Awards ceremonies will take place at each local event, highlighting our region’s most exceptional residents and the contributions they have made to the Western Downs – it really is the people that make it.”

Cr McVeigh said the region would also welcome a bumper group of new citizens to the region as part of a special Citizenship Ceremony to take place in Dalby.

“The Citizenship Ceremony is another great event that will be taking place in Dalby’s Thomas Jack Park at 11am where we will see more than 50 new citizens welcomed to the region, which is the largest group we have ever had at one ceremony,” Cr McVeigh said.

“Welcoming new citizens to the Western Downs is a very important occasion for the region and one of the most special honours I have as Mayor.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to see so many people continuing to call our region home, and I look forward to welcoming our newest citizens on behalf of the Australian Government.

“I strongly encourage 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 at 7am and will be held in Bell, Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles, Tara and Wandoan, with each event offering a delicious breakfast and a range of family activities such as live music, games and amusements.

For more information about events planned around the region visit https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/ausday/

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Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                       07 4679 4265