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Community groups in Greater Bendigo are preparing to host Australia Day celebrations on Wednesday January 26.

The main Australia Day event, usually held at Lake Weeroona, will this year be held at the Bendigo Jockey Club and be presented by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst.

The event will include live entertainment, family activities, community displays and the Rotary art and craft market. Official proceedings will begin at 11am.

All attendees at the Bendigo Jockey Club aged 12 and over must show proof of double vaccination, or a valid exemption.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said Councillors were looking forward to attending the events.

“We are fortunate to be able to gather together at this time and we encourage people to do so respectfully and safely,” Cr Metcalf said.

“We continue to live through one of the most defining moments of the modern era, yet as we look around the world we can be grateful that we live in Australia and in Greater Bendigo.

“Thank you to the many community groups that have worked hard to stage these events, we know that many people enjoy the opportunity to come together with friends and family.

“However, we also acknowledge Australia Day is not a day of celebration for everyone, and we must all continue to work hard on advancing reconciliation.

“I thank our Traditional Owners for the way they support our community to learn about, recognise and celebrate their culture.

“Australia’s history is 60,000 years old, and we must respect the stories of all people and the contribution they make to our nation and community.”

Cr Metcalf said she also looked forward to leading her first Citizenship Ceremony when 70 people will become Australian citizens.

In addition to the planned celebrations, there will be free entry to all indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on staffing levels, contact your local pool to confirm opening times.

Please see below a table of local Australia Day activities. Residents are encouraged to check the Summer in the Parks website prior to Australia Day to ensure activities are still going ahead

Bendigo

Bendigo Jockey Club, Heinz Street

10am – 3pm (official ceremony at 11am, includes Rotary art and craft market)

Axedale

Axedale Park, 94 McIvor Highway

8am – 10am

Heathcote

Barrack Reserve, High Street

10am – 2pm

Huntly

Huntly Hall, 633 Midland Highway

6.30pm – 8pm

Mia Mia

Mia Mia Recreation Reserve

1637 Heathcote-Redesdale Road

8am – 10am