Australia Day events across the municipality

Published on 23 January 2023

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Australia Day events will take place throughout the Horsham Rural City Council municipality on Thursday.

The community will come together at Sawyer Park to celebrate our national day with Australia Day Ambassador Paul Margetts set to join the festivities.

It all starts with a free barbecue breakfast from 7am followed by a flag raising ceremony and presentation of the Australia Day Awards from 8am. 

The morning’s formalities will also include citizenship ceremony where Horsham people from Pakistan, Nepal, United States, Colombia, India, Thailand and the Philippines will officially become Australians.

Retired Victoria Police Superintendent Margetts will be guest speaker and there’ll be entertainment from Horsham City Pipe Band, Voices of the Wimmera and Horsham Rural City Band.

HRCC will livestream the ceremony via its Facebook page and website.

Council is also supporting Australia Day celebrations at Brimpaen (8am) Natimuk (11am) and Dadswells Bridge (11.30am).

Mayor Robyn Gulline said Australia Day was a chance to say thank you and congratulations to various award winners for their contribution to our community.

“Wherever you are and whatever you do, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in Australia and especially the Wimmera,” Cr Gulline said.

“We have access to great schools, excellent healthcare, good sporting facilities, international and local arts and culture and beautiful natural surrounds.

“There are so many ways to mark the public holiday – attend a community event, have a barbeque with family or friends, or splash about at one of the local pools, take a paddle down our river or jump on the bike for a pedal. 

“It is also important to remember that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and some members of our community do not see Australia Day as a day of celebration. It is important that we acknowledge this and continue to build greater understanding, respect and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

“Council appreciates the participation of Auntie Anne Nicholson at our Australia Day Ceremony in Horsham. She will perform a Welcome to Country.

“Thank you, also, to the local community groups that help stage Australia Day events across the municipality. Council appreciates your efforts and the respectful way in which these events are conducted,” she said.

RELATED: Water ski show comes to Horsham this Australia Day

 

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