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It’s going to be a hot day on Australia Day so the Whyalla celebrations are moving to Ada Ryan Gardens.
With the Bureau of Meteorology tipping 41-degrees and southerly winds for Friday (January 26), it has been decided to move the free celebrations from the foreshore to the shady, more sheltered gardens to ensure the comfort of everyone. There will still be the same great line-up of activities and entertainment sprinkled around our beautiful gardens (pictured).
The fireworks display is the only thing not moving. It will still go off from the groyne near the jetty at 9pm in the cool of the evening with great viewing from the foreshore just metres away from the main celebrations.
The only other change is to the Beyond Bank Australia Day Fun Run which will start an hour earlier at 8am to escape more of the day’s heat. Those interested in the fun run are asked to register by 7.30am on the day.
City of Whyalla Events and Tourism Development officer Rebecca Neilson said it was a common-sense decision to move the celebrations just a few metres away from the foreshore and into the more sheltered Ada Ryan Gardens.
“We want to provide everyone with the best and most safe Australia Day celebration experience and 41-degrees on a bit of a windy day wouldn’t have made the foreshore the best place to hold these celebrations,” Rebecca said.
“Ada Ryan Gardens has plenty of shade and is more sheltered from the wind making it more comfortable for everyone attending, the performers and all the stall holders.
“It won’t detract one little bit from the celebrations, we’ve still got the same great line-up of entertainers and activities and it’s just 30 seconds away to wander down to the foreshore at 9pm to see the fireworks go off over the water.”
The celebrations kick off at 4pm and build up to the fireworks finale at 9pm. There will be plenty of food, drink and free water available on the day. Everyone is asked to still wear a wide-brimmed hat, slop some sunscreen on and stay hydrated to have a great Australia Day celebration.
City of Whyalla Australia Day Program in Ada Ryan Gardens
Thursday, January 25
6.30pm: Mayoral Ceremony for Whyalla Australia Day Award winners at Mount Laura Homestead. Sponsored by Whyalla Beyond Bank.
Friday, January 26
8am: Beyond Bank Australia Day 5km Fun Run from Ada Ryan Gardens
4pm onwards: Face painting, free handouts, amusement rides, bubble soccer, food and drink.
4pm: Youth Hour presented by Whyalla Music Association and featuring Emily Rawlings (pictured), Brie Ryan and Jasmine Moder
4.15pm: Circus Elements workshop
5.15pm: National anthem (Brie Ryan), flag raising ceremony, lamington unveiling and acknowledgements.
6pm: Circus Elements performance
6.45pm: Watermelon eating and dummy spitting competitions.
8pm: Jackdaw live on stage
9pm: Fireworks