General News
21 January, 2022
Cairns celebrates Australia Day
Cairns Regional Council has an arrangement of fun events for the whole family this Australia Day with barbecues, entertainment, and a citizenship ceremony on Wednesday, January 26.
The events will spread across Cairns, in Trinity Beach from 7 am, Tobruk Memorial Pool from 9 am, and Babinda Creek from 7 am. All events will abide by COVID-19 health and safety parameters.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said this Australia Day should be dedicated to family and unity.
“It should be a family day and a fun day. It’s a good occasion to slow down; sometimes we can get agitated and be mean to one another, so it’s a good time to connect and be kind to one another,” Cr Manning said.
“It’s a day for the community, for people to talk to one another, laugh with each other instead of fighting.”
Cr Manning also said Australia Day opens a time to reflect on the nation’s history and what we have lived in the last couple of years with the pandemic.
“Australia Day means different things to different people, and it is important that we acknowledge the contribution that everyone makes to our nation, from the newest arrivals to First Nations people,” he said.
“As we look back on the past 12 months, another tough and challenging year for many, we also need to acknowledge and thank the actions of first responders, frontline workers and all the people who worked diligently to protect life and property.”
Next week is expected to be a wet one; Cr Manning said this should not be a reason for the celebration to stop.
“Slip on a pair of thongs, grab an umbrella and get out there and enjoy yourself; even if it’s raining, it’ll be great!” He said.
On Tuesday, January 25 Council will also celebrate the 2022 Australia Day Awards; Cr Manning will announce the winners at a special breakfast event at the Hilton Cairns.
This year, 60 Cairns residents will become citizens at the citizenship ceremony, which will take place at Council’s newly refurbished civic rooms. Mr Manning said it was exciting to celebrate Australia Day with the new 60 soon-to-be citizens.
“It is fantastic that so many of our residents will become Australian citizens this year on our national day,” he said.
“Let’s go out there and enjoy ourselves!”
Cairns residents can visit Cairns Regional Council’s Facebook page for updates at:https://www.facebook.com/CairnsRegionalCouncil
