THERE will be plenty of Australia Day activities across Leeton shire for residents to participate in on Thursday.
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As with previous years, the day will start off with three community breakfasts before a ceremony in Mountford Park that will include Australia Day award announcements and a citizenship ceremony.
You could choose to start your day with breakfast at either Murrami, Yanco or Leeton.
The Murrami CWA puts on a fabulous spread every year and will be doing so again at the Murrami Community Hall from 7.30am.
For a small donation you can tuck into a hearty barbecue breakfast and enjoy the casual surrounds while kids play cricket, games and enjoy the playground.
Alternatively, Yanco Lions Club also fires up the barbecue and creates a great atmosphere at the Yanco Community Hall.
Running from 7am to 9am, the morning also includes a flag-raising ceremony and affirmation for participants to recite.
Leeton hosts the overall Australia Day ceremony, but starts the day at 7.30am with a barbecue breakfast in Mountford Park, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Leeton.
While you eat you will be entertained by the Leeton Town Band.
The official ceremony starts on the Federation Stage in the park 9.15am.
This year’s official party will include Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli and Australia Day Ambassador to Leeton, sports broadcaster Peter Wilkins, with Glenn Preston as master of ceremonies.
Following a Welcome to Country by Elijah Ingram, the national anthem will be sung and both the Australian and Aboriginal flags will be raised.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year, Fran Artese, will recite the Australia Day Affirmation, followed by an address by mayor Paul Maytom and Mr Wilkins
Known affectionately as “Wilko”, Mr Wilkins is an all-rounder in broadcasting terms with a passion for all sports.
He has predominantly worked for the ABC for the last 37 years as a presenter, commentator and reporter on both television and radio.
Mr Wilkins hosted World Cup soccer finals in the 1980s, was ABC’s chief rugby league commentator in the 1990s and commentated on ABC radio at the Sydney Olympics, as well as being part of the sports/entertainment program The Fat.
He has commentated on many sports through his career, including tennis, golf, soccer, rugby league, rugby union, hockey and cricket, and has been to four Paralympic games.
Mr Wilkins will be in Leeton with his wife Susie.
Following the ambassador, 10 new citizens will complete their naturalisation.
Following that, junior and senior Sportsperson of the Year winners will be announced and then the Australia Day Awards will be presented in categories of event, organisation, group, young achiever, young citizen, achiever, lifelong citizen and citizen of the year.
With a break through the middle of the day and an expected top of 35 degrees, you can wrap up your Australia Day with a free evening at the Leeton pool.
The family fun day at the pool starts at 4pm, with free entry, entertainment, rides and giveaways. The water slide will be in operation and DJ Stepback will be providing tunes.
