Australia Day events will take place across the Goulburn Valley on Wednesday, January 26, with flag-raising ceremonies, guest speakers, entertainment and awards on the agenda.
“Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to acknowledge our history and celebrate our diversity,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said.
“We recognise Australia Day is not a celebration for everyone in our community.
“The day provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge, learn and understand our country’s past and reflect on the history, traditions and culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“On January 26 we encourage residents to be proud and take pride in who we are as a nation.
“Australia Day is a day to acknowledge our culture, great people and the things we love about this country.”
For full profiles on the Australia Day ambassadors, visit www.vic.gov.au/victorias-australia-day-ambassadors
For information about Australia Day events, visit www.greatershepparton.com.au
Shepparton
Queen’s Gardens, Shepparton, at 9am
Australia Day awards will be presented to outstanding community members, together with a citizenship ceremony where new residents will be welcomed. A light brunch will be available along with musical entertainment by the Shepparton Brass and Wind Ensemble and Fortessima.
Ambassador: Sue Stanley
Sue Stanley started winning gold medals for competitive aerobics on the international stage in 1993. She was undefeated at a national and international level for four years, amassing 35 consecutive wins, three World Championship titles, numerous international titles and nine consecutive Australian championships.
Ms Stanley has now turned her attention to encouraging Australians of all ages to take care of themselves and enjoy life to the fullest.
Dookie
CWA Gardens, Dookie, at 10am
Dookie CWA and Dookie Lions Club will provide a barbecue and there will be time for people to meet, mingle and enjoy the day.
Ambassador: Grant Monks
Grant Monks was a finalist for the 2017 Victorian Young Australian of the Year. He is a beacon of hope for people suffering from chronic illness.
Working for Kidney Health Australia, Mr Monks is also a mentor for multiple chronic illness peer support groups, volunteers his time to support youth offenders and is an ambassador for the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation.
His joy in living and his personal example of life achievements and community contribution motivates others to never give up.
Mooroopna
Ferrari Park, Mooroopna, at 10.30am
There will be a flag-raising ceremony, an address by a keynote speaker and Mooroopna Australia Day awards will be presented. Official proceedings will be followed by a barbecue.
Ambassador: Matthew Albert
Matthew Albert started his legal career working with the United Nations’ Refugee Agency as a legal protection officer in Kenya. He is also the 2005 Victorian Young Australian of the Year.
Mr Albert is a founder of the Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning Program. In 2008, he was elected to the position of pan-Commonwealth youth caucus chairperson – the first Australian to be appointed to the role.
He is also a founding trustee of the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust and board member of Wesley Institute for Innovation in Education, Liberty Victoria, the International Commission of Jurists Victoria among other not-for-profit organisations.
Murchison
Murchison swimming pool, Murchison, 8am breakfast, 9am start for official proceedings
A barbecue breakfast will be followed by the presentation of Australia Day awards.
Tatura
Tatura Italian Social Club, Tatura, at 8.30am
A free breakfast will be on offer from 8.30am at the Tatura Italian Social Club. Australia Day awards will be presented, followed by a morning tea.
Toolamba
Toolamba Recreation Reserve, Toolamba, at 11am
Australia Day awards will be presented, followed by a free barbecue.
Ambassador: Professor Paul Komesaroff
Paul Komesaroff is a physician, medical researcher and philosopher at Monash University in Melbourne, where he is a professor of medicine.
He is also executive director of the international NGO, Global Reconciliation, and president-elect of adult medicine in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Prof Komesaroff is engaged in various research and action projects in reconciliation and ethics, which cover clinical practice and global health, and span a range of topics.
His international work covers reconciliation and healing after conflict and social crisis, the nature and impact of foreign aid, and capacity-building in global health.
Arcadia
Community Centre and Recreation Reserve, Arcadia, at 8am
Community members will put on a barbecue breakfast.
Ambassador: Prof Paul Komesaroff
Rushworth
Village Green, Rushworth, from 5.30pm
The event includes entertainment, a barbecue, speech from Australia Day ambassador Kirby White and the presentation of awards.
Stanhope
McEwen Place, Stanhope, at 9.30am
The event includes guest speakers, entertainment and presentation of awards and a barbecue will then be held at the community hall.
Tongala
Tongala Public Hall, Tongala, from 11am
The event includes a flag-raising ceremony, Australia Day ambassador Neil Soullier, presentation of awards, sing-a-long and barbecue.
Violet Town
Violet Town Community Complex, Violet Town, at 7.30am for breakfast and 9.30am ceremony
Avenel
Jubilee Park, Avenel, at 9.30am
Nagambie
Nagambie Rowing Club, Nagambie, at 8am (double-vaccination required)
Ambassador: Ian Coutts
Iam Coutts is the co-founder and secretary of the Mullagh Wills Foundation.
Euroa
Memorial Park, Euroa, at noon
Ambassador: Lawrence Money
Lawrence Money is a newspaper columnist and comedian.