The Mayor of Campbelltown, Councillor Paul Lake, says next Monday’s Australia Day is a great chance to reflect on the values of our great country.
“In light of recent events around the world, and in Sydney, this year’s Australia Day celebrations will be a poignant reminder of the freedom we enjoy, and so often take for granted,” Cr Lake said.
“It’s an opportunity for us all to come together to reflect on what makes our nation so great, from our country’s diverse natural beauty and easy-going lifestyle to our great sense of community.
“There is much to celebrate this Australia Day, and council is proud to offer two fantastic locations with a host of great activities and entertainment, so be sure to take your pick and join in the celebrations of our nation with pride,” Cr Lake added.
Australia Day celebrations around the country are some of the biggest community events of the year, and Campbelltown is no exception.
Campbelltown City Council will host a massive day of entertainment, across two locations, giving everyone a chance to join in the festivities next Monday, January 26.
There will be something for everyone at Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown, and Hallinan Park, Ingleburn, including a barbecue breakfast, flag raising ceremony, the announcement of the local Australia Day Award winners, citizenship ceremonies and more.
Both official events will feature a visit from Campbelltown’s 2015 Australia Day Ambassador, Pepe Saya – founder of Pepe Saya Cultured Butter. Pepe Saya is the alter-ego of 35-year-old Pierre Issa, the Lebanon-born son of a Scots-Australian mum and Lebanese dad who has ridden a wave of success with his distinctive line of cultured butter, produced using local ingredients and old-style methods.
Campbelltown’s Australia Day celebrations will kick off with official proceedings, including presentations of citizenship awards and a citizenship ceremony, over two hours in Koshigaya Park from 8am.
The park will spring to life again from 4pm to 9.30pm featuring an entertainment line-up for the whole family.
Celebrations will also be held at the Greg Percival Community Centre and adjacent Hallinan Park in Ingleburn from 11am to 2pm.
Festivities in Hallinan Park will feature an Australiana theme with a thong throwing competition, games and a jumping castle. There’ll be a typical Aussie sausage sizzle, and the Macarthur Country Music Club will keep the crowd entertained.
Koshigaya Park will see a host of free rides, stalls and the Wild Aussies Waterworld Adventure show featuring Marina the sea turtle, Kosi the corroboree frog, two great white sharks, Broc the crocodile and Selwyn the penguin.
The Macarthur Talent Showcase will feature a host of local performers and entertainers, demonstrating the breadth of talent across our region.
Groove on into the evening with a fantastic line-up of live stage entertainment, which will include the cool sounds of reggae and blues from the Busk Kings and a mix of contemporary tunes from one of Sydney’s freshest and most unique bands, Aaleatha and The Audio Fix.
Solo indie pop artist, Peter Calvert, will bring his talent for acoustics and storytelling to the stage with his spell-binding unique sound, while dynamic local band, The Kamis, will bring everyone to their feet dancing before the spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.
* Also, local leisure centres are offering a special offer on our national day. With Australia Day renowned for being a hot one, families can enjoy a special offer at Campbelltownj Council’s leisure centres on the day, with up to three children free with every paying adult.
For more information on local Australia Day celebrations, contact the Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre on 4645 4921, visit campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay or follow ‘Events in Campbelltown’ on Facebook.
