Hot and humid weather seemed to deter some from heading out to the Port’s Australia Day community events on Saturday, but not enough to put a dampener on festivities.
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The temperature in Raymond Terrace at 9am, when official proceedings such as the Australia Day address, citizenship ceremony and announcement of the Port Stephens Annual Award winners kicked off, was already 32 degrees.
Fortunately the sea breeze in Nelson Bay kept the temperature down to 25 degrees when the parade began to make its way to Fly Point Park, signalling the start of the day’s activities.
Now in its 22nd year, the Nelson Bay Australia Day Sub-Committee put on another extravagant program of events, highlighted by the Hunter School of Performing Arts performers, diverse dance and singing groups, ceremonies and the kids zone attractions featuring reptile and animal farms, pony rides, magicians and shearers.
Committee chairman Doug Cross said that extra shade pergolas were erected to combat the heat and the trees made a welcome relief to visitors.
“We estimate about 6000-8000 people attended the day which was probably a little down on last year’s record number,” Mr Cross said.
Australia Day festivities were also enjoyed at, Lemon Tree Passage and Karuah.
ALSO READ: Port Stephens Annual Awards winners