AUSTRALIA Day on Wednesday will be marked in the region with a number of events.

The Derwent Valley Council is encouraging the community to “Reflect, respect and celebrate our nation and our people – especially our strong sense of community as we work towards reconnecting safely’’.

Celebrations in the Derwent Valley and Brighton will be a little different this year, with elements of the large event previously held occurring as smaller events across a number of venues.

A seated public ceremony and free music concert will be held in the gardens of Arthur Square, New Norfolk, (memorial Hall in inclement weather) from 10am to 12pm.

Free and open to all, this event will be hosted by the Acting Mayor Jessica Cosgrove and will feature: • A speech by Australia Day Ambassador Sally Wise (OAM),
• The Australia Day Awards for volunteer service,
• The National Anthem, and
• A one-hour performance by Derwent Valley Community Winds, an ensemble of the Derwent Valley Concert Band.

A family fun day will be held at New Norfolk and Bushy Park pools.

Entry is free to all on Australia Day at the New Norfolk and Bushy Park Swimming Pools.

The day will be celebrated with special activities including free barbecue, a ‘beach wear’ dress-up competition, prizes, tunes and pool inflatables.

Each year, the Australia Day Awards recognise members of the community for outstanding achievements and service to the community.

Both Derwent Valley and Brighton will announce special awards.

In the Valley it will be Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Sports Person/Team/ Group of the Year.

In Brighton, due to Covid, the usual reception will not be held at the Brighton Civic Centre.

However Council will still be awarding the most deserving with Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen, Community Event of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.