There are events being held across the Byron Shire on January 26 to celebrate both Survival and Australia Day.
Survival Day
Those wishing to celebrate the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture are invited to join local mob on January 26 at Main Beach Park in Byron Bay (opposite the Beach Hotel).
Organisers say a Welcome to Country will be held at 11am, and following will be ‘live music, speakers, information and goodies for sale’ until 2.30pm.
The event is brought to you by the Arakwal Bundjalung People of Byron Bay, Sisters for Reconciliation and the Cavanbah Reconciliation Group and sponsored by Byron Shire Council.
Citizenship Ceremony
Council will be hosting a Citizenship Ceremony at the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay from 11am, officiated by the Mayor Michael Lyon, who will be joined by Byron Shire Australia Day Ambassador, Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA, FRSN.
‘It is an honour to welcome our new citizens alongside Allan Sparkes who has won medals for bravery and for his life-long dedication to mental health intervention and support of indigenous issues and programs,’ Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.
‘Mr Sparkes is one of Australia’s most decorated individuals and I encourage everyone to make the most of the opportunities to hear him speak and meet him in person,’ he said.
Mullum event
Rotary Mullumbimby will hold a free community day at the Mullum Pool, from 10am to 3pm.
Free entry to the pool includes prizes, a sausage sizzle, and more.
An ‘invitation only’ citizenship ceremony will be held at Byron Bay’s Cavanbah Centre from 11am till 1pm to welcome and celebrate new Australian citizens.
Ocean Shores
In Ocean Shores, its Community Association will host a Mullet Throwing Championship at the Ocean Shores Public School from 3pm till 5pm.
There will be a free sausage sizzle, giant lamington, Aussie singalong, and prizes.
