Northern Grampians Shire mayor Murray Emerson believes Australia Day 2021 will provide an important opportunity for all communities to reflect on the challenges of the past year, respect the sacrifices and contributions of those who responded in a time of need and celebrate being together and being Australian.

“In the past year Australia has faced immense challenges – drought, bushfire, floods and the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

“Australia Day 2021 is a day for us to respect and thank the first responders and frontline workers who worked through fire, flood and pandemic to protect life and property, to support their communities and to keep our nation going.

“We reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.

“And we celebrate our nation’s place in the world – a proud multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to.”

Cr Emerson said January 26 was also a day to reflect on our nation’s past. 

“It is also a day on which we respect and share the stories, histories and contributions of everyday Australians, because we’re all part of the story of Australia,” he said.

Wimmera-Mallee councils and community groups are busy organising events to enable residents to celebrate the nation, its achievements and its people. 

Events will include flag raising ceremonies, guest speakers, pool parties, meet and greets and barbecues, giving people an opportunity to come together to celebrate what it means to be Australian.

Council leaders will also present a range of Australia Day awards to individuals and community groups. 

Hindmarsh Shire chief executive Greg Wood praised the efforts of community groups within the municipality who again put up their hand to host Australia Day events.

He thanked Lions Club of Rainbow, Jeparit Town Committee, Dimboola CWA, Dimboola Town Committee and Nhill Lions Club for hosting Australia Day events in their respective towns, along with National Australia Day Council for its assistance. 

“Council appreciates the ongoing efforts of these community groups to celebrate our history, identity and future opportunities as Australians – and looks forward to celebrating with you all over the Australia Day weekend,” he said.

Mr Wood said his council, like all councils, had made several changes to ensure COVID-safe events.

He said the Australia Day Ambassador program would be different in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions and regulations. 

Rather than having an ambassador attend Hindmarsh Australia Day events in person, Australia Day Victoria has arranged a series of presentation videos.

The videos will be available on the council’s website, hindmarsh.vic.gov.au, and Facebook page on Australia Day.

Horsham Rural City Council has gone one step further and will host virtual Australia Day celebrations in place of an annual get-together at Sawyer Park. 

Horsham council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said Australia Day committee members had ‘reimagined’ the event due to uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

He said the committee decided before Christmas to host the Horsham event virtually.

“The virtual Australia Day event will be streamed live to our community and include many elements of our traditional event such as Australia Day Awards and citizenship ceremony,” he said.

“It is also an opportunity to do things a little differently this year in Horsham, noting there are also Australia Day events planned for Dadswells Bridge, Brimpaen and Natimuk.”

Ararat, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack residents will also celebrate Australia Day at a range of events throughout their respective municipalities. 

Australia Day: Where you can celebrate

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