The sizzling sounds and smells of barbecues, children’s entertainment and a citizenship ceremony will headline Australia Day celebrations in the Cairns region on Wednesday 26 January.
Council is inviting the community to enjoy celebrations at Trinity Beach, Tobruk Memorial Pool and Babinda Creek this Australia Day.
Celebrations at Trinity Beach and Babinda both start at 7am, while festivities kick off at Tobruk Memorial Pool from 9am.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Australia Day was a time to reflect on the nation’s history and celebrate Australia’s unique lifestyle.
“Australia Day means different things to different people and it is important that we acknowledge the contribution that everyone makes to our nation, from the newest arrivals to First Nations people,” Cr Manning said.
“It is a day for Australians from all backgrounds and communities to come together to embrace our diversity, enjoy our lifestyle and celebrate our unity.
“As we look back on the past 12 months – another tough and challenging year for many – we need to also acknowledge and thank the actions of first responders, frontline workers and all the people who worked diligently to protect life and property.
Cr Manning urged residents to prepare for the possibility of a wet Australia Day in Cairns to avoid letting the weather dampen the fun.
“We live in the tropics and it’s the wet season, so if it’s raining, slip on a pair of thongs, grab an umbrella and embrace our tropical weather,” he said.
The 2022 Australia Day Awards will be announced by Cr Manning at a special breakfast event on Tuesday 25 January, at the Hilton Cairns.
This year’s Australia Day will also take on extra significance for 60 Cairns residents, who will on Wednesday morning become Australians.
The citizenship ceremony will be held at Council’s newly refurbished civic rooms and include people from 21 countries of origin.
“It is fantastic that so many of our residents will become Australian citizens this year on our national day,” Cr Manning said.
“I always look forward to citizenship ceremonies because there is no greater demonstration of how lucky we are to live in this country and the desire of thousands of others to do so.”
*Note – in the event of a Severe Weather Warning, see Cairns Regional Council’s Facebook page for updates.
EVENTS
Pool Party (central)
Council has teamed up with Tobruk Memorial Pool for the Australia Day Pool Party. Entry to Tobruk Pool will be free and there will be a host of games, the opportunity to come and try paddle boarding or water polo, free sausage sizzle, live reptile interactions, and a movie on the Optus truck.
- When: Wednesday 26 January 2022, 9am to midday.
- Where: Tobruk Memorial Pool, 370 Sheridan St Cairns North
Party at Trinity Beach (north)
Enjoy a community event to celebrate what’s great about our nation at Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach. Activities include a free sausage sizzle, live entertainment, lots of beach activities for the kids, and even live reptile interactions.
Thanks to Cairns West and Cairns Trinity Rotary Clubs for assisting Council with this event.
- When: Wednesday 26 January 2022, 7am to 11am
- Where: Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach
Babinda Creek Party (south)
Presented by the Babinda Taskforce, Babinda Rotary Park will play host to this year’s southern community celebration with a free sausage sizzle and children’s entertainment.
- When: Wednesday 26 January 2022, 7am to 11am
- Where: Babinda Rotary Park
