The day formally begins at 9am on Sunday (26 January) at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre for the Citizenship Ceremony.

The ceremony will welcome 118 new Australians who will take part in the citizenship oath and affirmation and be presented Australian citizenship certificates from Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett.

Following the Citizenship Ceremony, our new citizens will be invited to a morning tea at Tondoon Botanic Gardens which will run from 11.15am until midday.

The Australia Day Awards Ceremony will run from midday-1pm at Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

The Awards will acknowledge the Gladstone Region’s Australia Day Award nominees as well as announcing category winners, including Citizen of the Year.

A free community event to celebrate Australia Day will also be held at Tondoon Botanic Gardens from 11am-3pm.

The Australia Day Family Fun Day will offer plenty of activities to keep the family entertained including market stalls, food vendors, live music, free activities and games including a giant inflatable obstacle course, face painting, emergency service vehicles on display, along with free sausages and free ice blocks.

A free mini train will also be in operation, making for a fun ride as it meanders through the Gardens.

There will be a raffle to win a Weber barbecue with all proceeds going to the Gladstone Region Drought Appeal (GRDA) and GRDA donation tins will also be present.

Gladstone Region Councillor Kahn Goodluck said Council’s Australia Day event aims to celebrate contemporary Australia, acknowledge our history and honour the diverse culture in our region.

“There’s a fantastic range of Council-run or Council-supported events taking place across the region on Australia Day,” Councillor Goodluck said.

“I am proud that our region is inclusive and culturally diverse, and these Australia Day events are designed to suit everyone in our community.

“Community is a crucial when it comes to Australian values and the list of Australia Day Awards nominees have all played significant roles in our community.

“I congratulate all of our nominees and hope they continue their great work now and into the future.”

While Tondoon Botanic Gardens will be the primary location for Australia Day activities, various local community groups will also hold events across the region thanks to funding from Council’s Community Investment Fund.

Events will take place at Builyan, Curtis Island, Rosedale, Turkey Beach, Yarwun and Gladstone Marina.

Australia Day Fun Run

What: Hosted by Gladstone Road Runners, this event is for people of all ages and fitness levels. You can walk, run or skip your way to the finish line. Entry is $5 for the 2km event and $10 for the 5km event.
Where: Gladstone Marina Stage, Bryan Jordan Drive
When: 6.15am for a 7am start with registration on the day

Builyan

What: Builyan Many Peaks Community Development Association’s Australia Day breakfast.
Where: Pine Street, Builyan
When: 8am

Curtis Island

What: South End Progress Association’s Australia Day Celebrations featuring a barbecue, lamingtons and fun for the whole family including musical entertainment, tug-of-war, crab pot throwing, volleyball and cricket.
Where: Golding Park – South End, Curtis Island
When: 10am

Rosedale

What: Rosedale Rural Fire Service is hosting a free breakfast.
Where: Royal Hotel – Wills Road, Rosedale
When: 7am breakfast, activities 9am-5pm

Turkey Beach

What: Turkey Beach Progress Association’s Australia Day breakfast featuring thong throwing, face painting, cow pat tossing and prizes available for best dressed.
Where: Turkey Beach Hall
When: 7am-10am

Yarwun

What: Yarwun Grow Group’s Australia Day Event featuring a free Aussie barbecue breakfast, Aussie games, jumping castle, face painting and thong throwing.
Where: Yarwun Recreational Grounds
When: 9am-1pm.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/australia-day-awards for more information on Australia Day Awards nominees and the Australia Day Family Fun Day.

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See Also

News Items
Media Releases
Nominations