SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Australia Day 2022 celebrations in Hamilton will include a flag raising ceremony, live music performances including the Hamilton Brass Band, acoustic musician Caetline Martin and a COVID-19 safe, free light lunch.

An awards presentation will be part of the official celebrations from 10.30am this Wednesday, at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year and the Council's own Community Recognition Awards.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Bruach Colliton said Australia Day meant different things to different people and everyone was encouraged to celebrate Australia Day in a way that was meaningful to them.

“We acknowledge the significant contribution that everyone makes to our nation, from First Nations people who have lived here for 65,000 years to our newest citizens who call Australia home,” Cr Colliton said.

“Being able to celebrate the achievements of those in our community, who go above and beyond to support others, is a special opportunity.

“For those of us who live and work in the Southern Grampians, we are privileged to know many who contribute in a significant way through their support of others, people who give back to those in our region.

“In facing the challenges this ongoing pandemic has and will continue to present, it’s now more important than ever to celebrate when we can in a COVID safe way.

“We will also be officially welcoming a number of new citizens to our beautiful region so come down to the gardens and enjoy the festivities.”

Events in towns throughout the Southern Grampians Shire are:

COLERAINE

8:00am, Coleraine Tourist Information Centre, Pilleau St.

Flag raising ceremony, award presentations, guest speaker and free community breakfast.

DUNKELD

8:00am, Memorial Park, Parker St.

Award presentations, guest speaker & free community breakfast.

PENSHURST

8:30am, Penshurst Botanic Gardens, Martin St.

Flag Raising Ceremony, Music performance, Guest speaker, National Anthem, Penshurst Citizen of the Year, free community BBQ.

There will be no 2022 Australia Day events in Tarrington, Balmoral, Branxholme, Glenthompson, Cavendish or Byaduk.

All events are subject to change and residents can stay up-to-date on event status by following the shire’s Facebook page or phoning 03 5573 0444.

The wet weather alternative venue will be the Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC).

Celebrations online for Moyne

MOYNE Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will go ahead online for 2022 due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the south west region.

Mayor Ian Smith said while it was disappointing to have to make that decision, the safety of the community had to come first.

“We were really looking forward to coming together in Kirkstall to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our award winners and to welcome our newest Australian Citizens,” Cr Smith said.

“Moving online means more people will be able to join in the celebrations from the comfort of their own homes and we will still be able to present our awards to our citizen, young citizen and community event of the year and confer citizenship on eight new Australians.”

Moyne’s Australia Day event can be live streamed from 9.30am on January 26.

Visit the shire’s website or Facebook page and follow the links.