A fun-filled afternoon for Australia Day 2022

Celebrate Australia Day with Ararat Rural City Council’s fun-filled program of activities and community events planned across the municipality on 26 January.

Australia Day celebrations will kick off at Alexandra Oval Community Centre with a free breakfast provided by the Ararat Lions Club.

Official proceedings will commence at 9.30am, including a performance by the Ararat Rural City Band, Australia Day Awards are being presented with guest speaker and Australia Day Ambassador Doug Christie, followed by a citizenship ceremony to welcome our newest Aussies in our community.

Mayor Jo Armstrong said the national day has evolved over the years, with a focus on bringing the community together, celebrating our newest citizens and the achievements of residents.

“Community is the backbone of our municipality; we have seen this time and time again through the many challenges we have experienced as a region – we’ve become stronger together,” Cr Armstrong said.

“Australia Day is about bringing the community together to celebrate being an Australian citizen, embracing our diversity and celebrating our resilience.

“The ceremonies will start at 9am with activities planned to continue the celebrations into the afternoon at Alexandra Gardens, and the Ararat, Lake Bolac and Willaura Outdoor pools.

“Council’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony and Australia Day Awards ceremony at Alexandra Oval Community Centre is one of the events I look forward to most as Mayor.

“The awards celebrate and recognise the achievements and contributions of residents in the community, making our city a great place to live.

Residents can expect an afternoon of a range of free activities held in the Alexandra Gardens, Willaura Outdoor Memorial Pool and Lake Bolac Peter O’Rorke Memorial Pool, with free entry to the pool and a barbecue.

“From midday onwards, Council will be hosting Music in the Park at Alexandra Gardens, with residents invited to relax with a picnic in the gardens and enjoy live music, children’s activities, and food trucks,” she concluded.

More details for the ‘Music in the Park’ event will be announced in the following weeks.

For more information on Ararat Rural City’s Australia Day program, contact Josie Frawley on (03) 5355 0200.