The Queensland Government is partnering with local councils to deliver a range of Australia Day activities, including the famous Great Australian Bites events celebrating homegrown produce.
Acting Premier Steven Miles encouraged Queenslanders to reflect, respect and come together this Australia Day.
“Australia Day is an opportunity to recognise our past and our shared history, to acknowledge this land and its traditional owners and to take pride in our multiculturalism,” he said.
“Queenslanders have the opportunity to get together with family and friends and visit the Great Australian Bites events which will be delivered in partnership with regional councils in Bargara, Hughenden, Ipswich, Rockhampton, St George, Roma, and Winton.
“These lively, multicultural food and music festivals showcase homegrown talent and support local cafes, restaurants and food outlets, so that Queenslanders can enjoy quality produce and entertainment within their communities.”
Brisbane will also host a Great Australian Bites event on 26 January at Southbank, through the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Australia Day Council’s Capital City funding program.
The family-friendly afternoon will feature live stage entertainment, kids activities and a range of food vendors.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minster, The Honourable Patrick Gorman said the Australian Government was delighted to support the new Brisbane event.
“The Australian Government is proud to support the delivery of the Australia Day 2023 capital city events program,” Mr Gorman said.
“We are committed to bringing our nation and people together. This is one step on our journey towards reconciliation and working in genuine partnership with First Nations people.
“Every Australia Day, we reflect on 65,000 years of history on this land. The nation we are committed to continue building is one centred on respect, inclusiveness, multiculturalism and diversity.
“This is an opportunity for all Australians to come together, and be a part of this particularly important Australia Day in returning our arts, music and culture back to the heart of our wonderful cities.”
Acting Premier Steven Miles said Queensland would also participate in the Australia Day Ambassador Program, in partnership with the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Australia Day Council and local government across the State.
“Our ambassadors volunteer their time and energy to participate in a diverse range of activities, including the presentation of Australia Day awards, judging competitions and engaging with Queenslanders,” the Acting Premier said.
“Ambassadors are inspirational guests at Australia Day events and include past recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards, athletes, medical professionals, business leaders and community leaders.”
Australia Day 2023 ambassadors will include musician Chris Tamwoy, the co-founder of Doctors with Disabilities Australia Dr Dinesh Palipana, child safety advocates Bruce and Denise Morcombe and Paralympian Lakeisha Patterson.
North Queensland will once again host the annual Flag Raising Ceremony which has been held at Townsville’s Jezzine Barracks since 2015.
Councils participating in the Australia Day Ambassador Program include:
Balonne Shire Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, Cloncurry Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Flinders Shire Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Isaac Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City Council, Longreach Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Mckinlay Shire Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Paroo Shire Council, Redland City Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, Torres Shire Council, Western Downs Regional Council and Winton Shire Council
