Events are planned across the region to celebrate Australia Day.
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Mayor Peta Pinson said Australia Day was a day to reflect on what it meant to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge our history.
“Once again we have events planned right across the region and I encourage everyone to come along, join family and friends and celebrate this significant day in our nation’s history,” she said.
The Town Green and Hastings River are the focus for the Port Macquarie celebrations.
Australia Day Working Group Port Macquarie – Tacking Point Lions Club member Janice McGilchrist encouraged people to bring a chair or picnic rug and enjoy the day.
“There’s something going on for everyone, both on the water and on the land, for young and old,” she said.
Market stalls will launch the January 26 program in Port Macquarie from 8am with a variety of stalls.
There will be children’s games and activities, while community-based groups will have displays on the Town Green.
The musical entertainment features Sing Australia, Khristina Joy and the Z Chords, Day Trippers and Blu Hyp Big Band.
There will be loads of aquatic activities on the Hastings River, just off Lady Nelson Wharf, from 10.30am.
People can enjoy the celebrations on the Hastings River aboard Discovery II and Port AdVenture.
Money raised will be donated to Sailability Port Macquarie.
People are encouraged to book at a cost of $15 for adults, $10 for children aged under 12, with boarding at 9.15am for a 9.30am departure.
The water-based program begins with a cruise past at 10.30am followed by dragonboat races at 11am and a Port Macquarie Marine Rescue display on the river from 12.15pm to 12.45pm.
Port Macquarie Marine Rescue Australia Day coordinator Steve Thomas encouraged people to make a day out of the celebration.
Another feature of the program is the dog agility trial and obedience demonstration staged by the Port Macquarie Dog Club from about 9am.
Meanwhile, community members are encouraged to book a timeslot to have their collectibles valued in exchange for a gold coin donation to Tacking Point Lions Club.
Experts Tom Thompson and Alex Renwick will appraise the collectibles between 11am and 12pm and 1pm and 3pm.
Email tplcaustday@gmail.com to book your slot and provide a brief description and photo of your item.
The official Australia Day ceremony in Port Macquarie will start at 3pm including the announcement of the 2019 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Award recipients followed by a citizenship ceremony.
The Hastings District Highland Pipe Band will lead the official party to the stage and perform a selection of tunes.
Members of the public are encouraged to come along, bring a hat, chair or their picnic blanket and show their support for our Australia Day Award nominees and our newest Australian citizens.
Australia Day ambassador Narelle Campbell will join Cr Pinson as they attend the official Australia Day ceremonies and events across the region.
Meanwhile, the celebrations kick off in Laurieton at North Brother Mountain from 7.30am with an Aussie breakfast and the official program starting at 8am.
Wauchope activities will start from 8am with a vintage car, truck and machinery display, farmers markets and children’s activities.
Wauchope’s official program starts at 11am.
For a full list of Australia Day 2019 activities and event locations visit Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s website.
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