Mayor of Port Stephens Ryan Palmer invites Port Stephens locals and visitors to attend an event, celebrate Port Stephens, and recognise the important role citizenship ceremonies play in our nation’s celebrations.

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“Australia Day gives Port Stephens Council an opportunity to promote and recognise active citizenship in our community – active citizenship is about people getting involved in their local communities, and displaying values such as respect, inclusion and helping others.

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian Citizenship.

“For 75 years, Australian citizens have been working together to build a strong, united and prosperous Australia, and that’s something we see daily across Port Stephens in all facets of our community.”

Mayor Palmer said the traditional Civic Ceremonies, including the Port Stephens Annual Awards and Citizenship Ceremonies will also take place as usual, with Cheryl Koenig OAM announced as the 2024 Port Stephens Australia Day Ambassador.

“We look forward to welcoming Ms Koenig to Port Stephens and hearing about her experience.

“Ms Koenig is a published author and motivational speaker and was previously the NSW Woman of the Year.
“She’s been an Australia Day Ambassador since 2011, and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for services to people with disabilities, their families and carers.

“I invite everyone to join the celebrations this Australia Day to recognise the remarkable achievements and contributions of our Annual Award winners and welcome Port Stephens’ newest Australian Citizens as they take the pledge in front of their family and friends,” Mayor Palmer added.

At Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace, celebrations will run from 8am to 1:30 pm and feature a citizenship ceremony and the Port Stephens Citizen of the Year presentation.

The event will also feature a RAAF fly past, marching bands, children’s amusements, markets, farm machinery displays and dragon boat races.

Once again, the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club will hold their Great Aussie Breakfast.

A free Pool Party will also be held at Lakeside Leisure Centre from 10am to 3pm.

Henderson Park at Lemon Tree Passage will host traditional Australia Day activities from 8am to 12pm, including live music, a Great Aussie Breakfast and an Auto Care Club display.

The community of Karuah is getting right behind celebrating Australia Day with entertainment at the Karuah RSL from 10am to midnight.

The day will include fresh produce competitions and auctions, with money raised donated to the local RFS.

With a fresh produce display and auction, thong throwing competition, bowls and live entertainment, the day will be topped off with a family friendly fireworks display at 9pm.

Elsewhere, the Boat Harbour Recreational Club is hosting an Australia Day Weekend Family Fun Day on Saturday 27 January from 4pm.

The event consists of an afternoon of tennis or barefoot bowls.

Racquets, balls and bowls are available.

Contact the club to find out more.

For full details of all Australia Day events, visit https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/community/events/2024/australia-day.

By Marian SAMPSON