Hundreds gathered in Brunswick Heads this morning to celebrate Country.
The event began with a smoking ceremony and continued with dancing and an open mic, giving people the opportunity to say what it was that they were celebrating about their country.
Elsewhere, Australia/Invasion/Survival Day is being variously celebrated and commemorated in different ways around the Northern Rivers this morning.
A community day hosted by Rotary Mullumbimby will be held at the Mullum Pool from 11am. The day includes free entry for kids, inflatables, fun slides, face painting, a barbecue and more.
The Arakwal Bundjalung people of Byron, the Sisters of Reconciliation and the Cavanbah Reconciliation Group are inviting all ‘black fella and white fella brothers and sisters’ for the 20th annual Cavanbah (Byron Bay) Survival Day event, to be held on Main Beach, Byron Bay, from 11am till 3pm.
Organisers say it will include Bundjalung and Djugun musos, speakers, stalls, storytelling and truth telling.
For Ballina Shire, there will be a citizenship and awards ceremony held at Lennox Head Cultural Centre this morning.
Those attending include Ballina Shire Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader, Tamara Smith MP, Justine Elliot MP, Ballina Shire councillors, Aunty Julia Paden, new Australian citizens, Australia Day Award nominees, with winners announced on the day.
The winners of the 2024 awards for the Lismore Australia Day Awards are being announced at the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre this morning, followed by an Australia Day free family fun day organised by Rotary at the Lismore City Bowling Club, from 10.30am–4pm, including barefoot bowls, live music and a thong throwing competition.
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