Australia Day in Gloucester: Thursday 26 Jan 2021

A whole day of enjoying what we love about this great country! Starts 8.00am at Billabong Park with an Aussie barbecue breakfast where you can hear the inspirational Australia Day Ambassador Peter McLean.

(In case of wet weather the celebrations will be held at the Recreation Centre). The fun family line-up includes barbecue breakfast, Best Dressed Competition in the Australia Day theme, award presentations and cutting of the Australia Day cake. The Pool Gala Evening starts at 2.00pm will include free entry to the Olympic Pool complex in Gloucester District Park, the Lions Club barbecue, a lolly drop, entertainment by Mr Willy Doodrop and Bubbles the Clown Show with ball juggling, magic tricks, music, juggling on a unicycle and audience participation. Come along for some fun!

The Australia Day Ambassador Program sends high achieving and proud Australians to local Australia Day celebrations in towns and cities across the nation. The Program supports the growth of Australia Day celebrations in NSW, through the involvement of high achieving and distinguished Australians who come from a wide range of backgrounds. The 2017 Australia Day Ambassador for Gloucester is Peter McLean, the NSW CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful and Executive Officer for the Australian Organics Recycling Association.

Gloucester’s Australia Day celebrations commence at 8.00am in the Billabong Park with Welcome to Country ceremony by elder Norma Fisher followed by the raising of the flag and our traditional Australian breakfast of bacon, egg and sausage sandwiches, expertly prepared by CWA, Quota, Lions and Rotary Clubs. A gold coin donation will be appreciated to assist in offsetting growing costs of this event.

At 9.00am, the formal part of the program will commence with key note addresses from the Mayor, and Ambassador. Awards presentations will be made to the winners of the Colouring-in Competition, Best Shop Display, Project of the Year, Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.

The Australia Day Committee Chair Judy Earle encourages children, young people, mums, dads, grandparents and visitors to attend Gloucester’s unique breakfast and official program of events and to enjoy coming together in a spirit of friendship and community on this special day in our National and local calendar.

Programme

8.00 am Welcome to Country; flag raising and anthem; thanksgiving prayer

8.15 am Australia Day Breakfast

9.00 am Entertainment by Gloucester High School students

9.15 am Welcome to Guests; High School Captains Address; Official Mayoral Welcome; Ambassador’s Address

9.45 am Awards Presentations: Colouring-in Competition; Project of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Citizen of the Year

10.30 am Official Ceremony concludes

2.00pm-7.00pm Olympic Pool Gala Evening at Gloucester Swimming Pool: Starts at 2.00pm with free pool entry, a barbecue supplied by the Gloucester Lions Club, a lolly drop, entertainment by Mr Willy Doodrop and Bubbles the Clown Show with ball juggling, magic tricks, music, juggling on a unicycle and audience participation. So come along for some fun!