Oakey, Cambooya hosting 2022 Australia Day events

Toowoomba Region residents are invited to attend Australia Day award presentations and celebrations at Oakey and Cambooya on Wednesday, January 26, in line with all health guidelines.

Other regular community events have reverted to invitation-only award presentations, with the Goombungee function postponed to a date to be advised. (*See event listings below)

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the national day was a time to reflect and celebrate the best aspects of living in Australia.

“While some community events have changed format to avoid large public gatherings during the latest Omicron wave of the Coronavirus, other regional outdoor events are proceeding in line with state health protocols,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Regardless of where residents mark our national day, we continue to live in a special part of Australia.

“It is a further reminder of the extraordinary efforts of all health services workers, fellow emergency services personnel and all community agencies who have worked tirelessly to support our communities over the past year.

“Their ongoing efforts to safeguard our community reflect the best aspects of the Australian character.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Australia Day coordinating committee chair and Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald said Council had COVID-19 health and safety plans in place, thanks in part to National Australia Day Council grants, to ensure events would be held safely.

“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,” Cr McDonald said.

“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. Councillors will be attending events across the Region.”

Mayor Antonio will present the Toowoomba service area Australia Day awards and the W. H Groom scholarship award at an invitation-only event at Civic Square, followed by afternoon citizenship ceremonies.

Regional events: Toowoomba – invitation-only award ceremony. Australia Day award presentations by the Mayor, including the W. H. Groom scholarship. No civic function at Picnic Point.

Cambooya – Cambooya Recreation Grounds, Lucy Street, 9-10am. Address by Australia Day ambassador Brendan Bernier, awards presentation. Coffee and cake available after the official ceremony. Please note, the event will be operating under covid-safe measures. Masks are to be worn; attendance will be capped. Please BYO chair or picnic blanket.

Clifton – invitation-only award ceremony.

Crows Nest – invitation-only award ceremony.

Goombungee – Event postponed. Date to be advised.

Highfields Australia Day Award Ceremony – An invitation-only event has been conducted.

Millmerran (incorporating Cecil Plains) – invitation-only award ceremony.

Oakey – Arthur Shooter Park, Stanley Street, Oakey, 7.30am to noon. Breakfast on sale from 7.30am, award ceremony from 8.30am, free morning tea and billy boiling competition from 9.30am. 10am: Team and individual events: The Australian dunny race, open and junior iron man races, thong throwing, wheelie bin and sack races with prize presentations from noon. Bring a chair, picnic blanket, hat and sunscreen. Please follow all covid-safe guidelines.

Pittsworth – invitation-only award ceremony.