There are many events being held throughout Byron Shire to celebrate Australia Day on January 26, with most towns and villages participating.
Byron Shire mayor Simon Richardson has told North Coast ABC he would like to see Australia Day celebrated at dusk on January the 25. ‘It is time for a mature debate about the most appropriate time to mark the occasion,’ he said.
Brunswick Heads
In Brunswick Heads, a breakfast hosted by the Mullumbimby Rotary Club will be held in the Housie tent, Banner Park, from 7.30am till 10am.
A free bus will travel from Mullumbimby Newsagency at 7.30am, courtesy of Blanch’s Coaches, and will return to Mullumbimby at 10am.
Breakfast is just $4 and there will be free Australian flags and live music.
Mullumbimby
The official ceremony, hosted by the Brunswick Valley Historical Society, will be held from 11am till 1pm at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Bowling Club.
There will be a citizenship ceremony and an Australia Day address. Community awards will be given to citizen of the year, young citizen of the year, sportsperson of the year, community event of the year, volunteer of the year and environmental volunteer project of the year.
Details are as follows:
Welcome from the host, Susan Tsicalas and handover to the MC, mayor Simon Richardson.
Welcome to Country – Delta Kay Arakwal Corporation introduced by the mayor
National Anthem – led by Chai Herdegen
Australia Day Address – Gillian Lomath
Australia Day Ambassador Address – John Moriarty
Local Award Ceremony, mayor and ambassador
At the Mullum Pool, the Brunswick Valley Historical Society, Mullumbimby Pool and Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce will host celebrations from 3pm till6pm.There will be a barbecue, inflatables, thong-throwing contest and buskers.
Byron Bay
A breakfast next to the Byron Bay Surf Club, Main Beach, will be hosted by the Byron Bay Rotary Club from 7.30am till 11am. There will be light refreshments, free Australian flags and live entertainment.
Also in Byron Bay, Survival Day will be held at Main Beach from 11am till 3pm. Acclaimed percussionist Greg Sheehan and his Out of Order group is just one of the acts who will perform. The formal welcome to country by Arakwal Bundjalung spokesperson Delta Kay will be held at 12.30pm. There will also be dance troupes, a barbecue (by donation), a Sisters for Reconciliation info and product stall, cultural and kids’ activities and free Aboriginal and Islander hand-waver flags.
Suffolk Park
A fun afternoon is planned by the Byron Rural Fire Brigade from 12pm till 5pm at Gaggin Park on Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. There will be a free sausage sizzle, celebration cake, drinks, free Australian flags, children’s entertainment and music.
Ocean Shores
A barbecue, hosted by the Ocean Shores Community Association, will be held from 3pm till 5pm at the Ocean Shores Public School.
Mullet throwers will again compete for the Australia Day world championships, starting at 3pm. Practice time is from 2.30pm. Categories include men, women, under 15s, under 10s, girls and boys and pre-school. Barbecue from 5pm.
More information on the events at www.byron.nsw.gov.au.
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