Australia Day will look different in Port Stephens this year but there is still an opportunity for the community to celebrate together through a series of free "pool parties".
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The typically well attended community events that traditionally take place in waterfront parks in Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay and Lemon Tree Passage will not go ahead as usual due to COVID-19 health concerns and restrictions.
Instead, Port Stephens Council will host a series of free COVID-Safe community events at the Lakeside, Tomaree and Tilligerry aquatic centres.
Karuah's celebrations will be hosted as usual by the RSL club.
"While COVID-19 has meant we've had to make some changes, we think it's really important to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than with pool parties?," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.
"Australia Day is usually stinking hot, so it will be great for our community to cool off with a swim."
Entry into the Port's three pools will be free. There will be a barbecue, live performances and pool games at each. Additionally, Tomaree Aquatic Centre will host a movie night.
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The Australia Day festivities at Nelson Bay's pool will be open 9am to 9pm with the games and activities running 10am to 5pm. The pool in Mallabula will be open 9am to 1pm with activities from 10am to noon. Raymond Terrace pool will be open and activities running 10am to 4pm.
Karuah RSL club will host a community event from 11am to 3pm which will include a a fresh produce competition and auction with proceeds going to the town's RFS brigade.
The citizenship ceremony and announcement of the Port Stephens Annual Awards winners will this year be staged as an invitation only event at Medowie Social from 9am.
Port Stephens Council said 22 people will become Australian citizens on Tuesday.
The conferees originally hailed from Bangladesh, Argentina, Philippines, Canada, the United Kingdom, Chil, Scotland, Peru, India, Slovakia, Spain, Netherlands, Italy and Thailand.
The civic ceremony will also live streamed to Port Stephens Council's Facebook page for the wider community to watch.
COVID-Safe community Australia Day events:
- Tomaree Aquatic Centre: open 9am-9pm, activities 10am-5pm
- Tilligerry Aquatic Centre: open 9am-1pm, activities 10am-12pm
- Lakeside Leisure Centre: open 10am-4pm, activities 10am-4pm
- Karuah RSL: activities 11am-3pm
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.
