Free admission to Cootamundra Pool for a pool party including a tug-o-war, sack races, thong throwing and bungee balls will follow the more formal program of this year’s Australia Day celebrations, commencing at Jubilee Park at 8am.
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The Day’s proceedings will start with a flag raising by 256 Army Cadet Unit, the national anthem by Sing Australia Choir and a prayer.
Then will come breakfast catered by Cootamundra Lions with music by Coota Connection.
Between events visitors will be able to appreciate displays by the Cootamundra Antique Motor Club and the Cootamundra Restorers Car Club.
At 9am Councillor Charlie Sheehan will formally welcome participants, and there will be a poetry recital by Michael Baldry and another offering by Sing Australia.
The Australian Citizenship and Citizenship Affirmation ceremonies will follow, before MC Paul Braybrooks will introduce the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian.
After a short address, Dr Kerkyasharian will present the Sporstperson, Young Citizen and Citizen of the Year awards, ending the formal side of the celebrations.
Councillors, the Ambassador and award winners will then wield the knife at the cutting of the special Australia Day cake, accompanied by more music.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Mayor Abb McAllister said he hoped attendees would enjoy the program, and that the temperature on the day would be a little cooler than the temperatures we have been experiencing this week.
“Australia Day has always been a significant event in our calendar and it’s gratifying that we’ll be welcoming four new new citizens in Cootamundra and three in Gundagai,” Cr McAlister said.
“It’s a day to appreciate that we live in such a great country – we’re so lucky to call Australia home.”
The Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Kerkyasharian, was born in Cyprus, migrated to England as a teenager, and to Australia in 1967.
Dr Kerkyasharian, a senior diocesan officer of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, headed SBS Radio from 1980 to 1989.
Subsequently, as CEO of the Ethnic Affairs Commission, he oversaw many new multicultural policies and practices.
A Member of the Order of Australia from 1992, he was a member of the NSW Board of Studies for 12 years and has chaired numerous inquiries including into the Whitlam Park Riots, recognition of overseas-trained doctors and nurses, settlement of African refugees, and trafficking of women.
The Cootamundra Pool will be open for free from noon until 3pm.
