Community
24 January, 2025
Be a proud Aussie
FROM sizzling barbecues and pool parties to citizenship ceremonies and awards for our remarkable community members, Far North Queenslanders will gather this weekend to celebrate and reflect on what it means to call Australia home.
It’s set to be a jam-packed weekend for the Far North as once again the community reunites to celebrate Australia Day.
The Douglas Shire Council will be holding its Australia Day events today while Cairns Regional Council will celebrate on Sunday and the Cassowary Coast held its citizenship ceremony and awards on Thursday and will celebrate on Sunday once more with pool parties.
Family-friendly concert
This year the Australia Day citizen of the year awards have found a new home at Munro Martin Parklands with a massive free event from 5pm kicking off with the awards ceremony and followed by a family-friendly concert until 9pm, featuring local talent, including John Buttigieg, All in Line-Dancers, The Nightshift, Pyrotechnique Fire Dances and Tribal Band and Social Hour featuring Anais Campbell.
On the day the Cairns Performing Arts Centre will also host one of Cairns Regional Council’s biggest citizenship ceremonies on record with 180 new Australians.
“We’re going green and gold this year and we’re bringing back Australia and it’s a really great opportunity to celebrate what makes Cairns, Cairns and that’s our multiculturalism,” said Cairns Mayor Amy Eden.
“We’ve got a humongous citizenship ceremony over at CPAC, approximately 180 more new Aussies will be celebrating from 39 different countries across the globe and proudly calling Australia and Cairns home.
“There’ll be a free sausage sizzle – while it lasts – and there’ll be heaps of entertainment, kids’ games and just a lovely afternoon.
“Importantly, we will also be celebrating our unsung heroes, the people that don’t look for the limelight and the glory but just roll up the sleeves and contribute so much to our community with our junior, volunteer and coveted citizen of the year and we’re hoping we’ll have thousands of people celebrating alongside.”
If there is severe weather the event is set to be moved to CPAC. All of the updates will be available on the council’s Facebook page.
Shire events today
In the Douglas Shire official events organised by the council will take place today (Friday), including citizen of the year awards and citizenship ceremonies, while the free pool event will take place on Sunday, January 26 at the Mossman Pool.
“The date change means we can come together to celebrate the contributions of individuals in the community on late Friday afternoon and then enjoy the rest of the Australia Day long weekend with family and friends,” Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said.
“(The) council hopes the Friday scheduling will make it more appealing for award nominees, and the broader community, to attend this special event.”
Pool parties
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council has also re-arranged its Australia Day events having held the citizenship ceremony and Australia Day awards yesterday but there is still more in store with a refreshing free pool day on Sunday at the Mission Beach, Cardwell, Tully and Innisfail town pools.
“Australia Day is a time to celebrate together and what better way to do it than by the pool with family, friends?” said Cr Trudy Tschui.
“It is going to be a great day with free entry for all, games and activities for the kids, music and a free sausage on bread from our wonderful local community groups.”
The pool parties will run from 10am to 2pm, except for the Tully pool which will go from 3pm to 7pm.
The fun however doesn’t stop there. All around Cairns bars, restaurants and venues will be celebrating Australia Day and there’s something for everyone.
Aussie rock at casino
Aussie rock will take over The Reef Hotel Casino to the beats of local muso Tony George live from 5.30pm, giveaways and The Great Aussie Pie special at Flinders Bar and Grill.
“After touring Europe for the last few weeks, it really has struck me just how lucky we are in Australia,” Mr George said.
“We have a fantastic weekend of live music planned for BAR36 and I can’t wait to play all the iconic Australian hits we all grew up with. Nothing stirs the soul like ‘Never tear us apart’ by INXS, or the legendary John Farnham’s ‘You’re the voice’, including songs from AC/DC and The Angels.”
Cazalys is also bringing a family-friendly program with a kids program with games, dancing, best dressed prizes and a wildlife show from 10am to 1pm, a raffle to support Ellis Beach Surf Club, live Aussie rock by Rowly and an ‘Aussie Icons’ best dressed competition through the day.
Live music at bowlo
Live music will be a big feature of Australia Day with at the Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club and Gilligan’s with The Vibez playing at both venues and some comedy with Gone Troppo at O’Sheas.
For more information, visit your council’s website.
