Thousands are set to turn out to the Port’s four Australia Day events on Saturday which will have a strong focus on celebrating the Port’s individuality and its community.
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Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay are expected to draw the largest crowds to its full program of events, which will include the announcement of the Port Stephens Annual Award winners, an address by Australia Day ambassador Kathy Rimmer and citizenship ceremonies.
“To me, Australia Day is all about celebrating our diversity. We all have different upbringings, perspectives and cultures,” Ms Rimmer, from Salamander Bay, said.
“It’s wonderful to come together on this day to celebrate each other’s differences and everything that makes us Australian.
“Port Stephens is such a supportive and tight-knit community. I’m excited to be able to share my love of this place and its people as the Australia Day ambassador.”
Port Stephens Council has partnered with Raymond Terrace Rotary Club to host a family fun day in Riverside Park.
Festivities will start at 8am with a free barbecue breakfast supported again this year by Raymond Terrace Bowling Club and cooked by the town’s Rotary and Lions clubs.
There will be speedboat demonstrations by Aquatic Club of Raymond Terrace on the river, a RAAF flypast, market stalls and community group displays, jumping castles and face painting, a road crash display by the SES, live music, pony rides, balloon art and laughing clowns, music and bursts of culture from Indigenous groups.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer will preside over the official ceremony at 9am, which will include the presentation of the annual awards.
Cr Palmer said the Australia Day theme this year is ‘Everyone, every story’.
“Each and every one of us has a unique and important story to tell, whether you were born in Port Stephens, or whether you chose to make this your home,” he said.
“Australia Day is a time to reflect on how lucky we to call Port Stephens home and to celebrate all of the people that make this such a fantastic place to live.
“Australia Day has something for everyone – it’s the perfect way to spend a summer day out with the family. Best of all, most activities are free so it’s affordable for all to enjoy.”
The Nelson Bay festivities will begin with the Australia Day parade at 9am.
The parade starts near Apex Park and moves up Victoria Parade to Fly Point Park.
On offer in the park throughout the day will be free Australia flags, chips, pony rides and jumping castles for children, a RAAF flypast, alpaca and sheep shearing demonstrations, baby animals, vintage and classic cars on display, displays by RFS, NSW Fire and Rescue, spinners and weavers, Australian Reptile Parks Shows and educational talks and a 90-stall market.
There will be music from The Years and performances by Hunter School of Performing Arts’ marching band, Ultimate Dance and Performing Arts and Robyn Yvette School of Dance.
This event is organised by the Australia Day Nelson Bay Subcommittee and is supported by Port Stephens Council, Nelson Bay Rotary and Nelson Bay Freemasons.
Elsewhere in Port Stephens, Karuah RSL Club will host the Australia Day celebration which are modelled on a 'country show' and includes food and cooking competitions, with all produce auctioned off, thong throwing competition, bowls and live music. This will run from 9am and wrap up with a fireworks show at 9pm.
Tilligerry Lions Club are behind the Lemon Tree Passage events, which will begin with a breakfast at 8am and will wrap up about 1pm.
Australia Day events in Port Stephens:
- Nelson Bay: Fly Point from 9am to 4pm
- Raymond Terrace: Riverside Park from 8am to 2:30pm
- Karuah: Karuah RSL from 9am to 9pm
- Lemon Tree Passage: Henderson Park from 8am to 12:30pm
Nelson Bay Australia Day activity schedule:
9am: Australia Day parade. Starts at Laman Street, winds down Victoria Parade along the Nelson Bay waterfront and finishes in Neil Carroll Park, Fly Point.
9.45am: Hunter School of Performing Arts’ marching band to perform in front of the park stage.
10.15am: The Years on stage
10.30am: Sail Past
11am: Ultimate Dance and Performing Arts
11.57am: Flag Raising and National Anthem
12.05pm: The Years on stage
1pm: Welcome to Country plus introductions to the recipients of Port Stephens Annual Awards, Australia Day address by the Port Stephens Australia Day Ambassador, citizenship ceremony, affirmation and National Anthem, cutting of the Australia Day cake
3pm: Robyn Yvette School of Dance
4pm: Event ends
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
