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DAY TO CELEBRATE: A big crowd turned out for last year's Australia Day celebrations in Ada Ryan Gardens.
Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin says she “can’t wait” for Saturday’s Australia Day celebrations at Ada Ryan Gardens.
It will be the first Australia Day celebrations for Clare as the Mayor of Whyalla and there is a suitably packed agenda for our new Mayor and the community to enjoy.
Along with the regular entertainment and activities throughout the day, the Mayor will be helping eight Whyalla residents take their citizenship oath while also presenting the winners of the 2019 Whyalla Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards.
The official presentation for the citizens of the year is conducted on Friday evening at the Mt Laura Homestead museum with a function for friends, family and any other interested community members.
“Australia Day means a lot of different things to a lot of people,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“For me it is about celebrating Whyalla, our place in Australia and all the wonderful people that make up our community.
“Australia Day presents us with the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves about everything that is great about Whyalla as we also acknowledge our leading citizens and, this year, celebrate with eight residents as they take their citizenship oath.
“It is also a chance for everyone to get together, have some fun, enjoy some free entertainment and activities while celebrating the fact that we are Whyalla.”
FAMILY EVENT: The Whyalla Fun Run is a run/walk for everyone.
The Australia Day celebrations kick off on Saturday, January 26, with the annual Whyalla Fun Run at 8am from Ada Ryan Gardens. After the enjoyable run/walk there’s a break before the entertainment and activities start at 4pm in the gardens.
“Australia Day means a lot of different things to a lot of people,” Mayor McLaughlin
There will be music, activities for the whole family, including a Natural Resources Beach Detectives session on the foreshore, food, drink, D’Faces extravaganza, workshops and, of course, the big fireworks finale at about 9pm.
“It is an honour for Council to put on this annual Australia Day event and provide free entertainment and activities for everyone,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“It looks like the weather is going to be kinder to us and Ada Ryan Gardens has now proven itself as the perfect venue for Australia Day.
“I’d like to invite everyone in Whyalla to come down on Saturday and celebrate because we are truly Whyalla.”
FUN FOR ALL: There will be entertainment and activities for kids at the celebrations.
Australia Day Celebrations – Ada Ryan Gardens: Saturday, January 26
From 6.30am: Australia Day Fun Run. Registrations from 6.30am for an 8am start.
From 4pm: • Face painting • Jumping castle • Food and drink • D’faces extravaganza • Bubble soccer • Carnival rides
4pm: Youth Hour proudly presented by the Whyalla Music Association.
4pm: Beach Detectives registration for activities from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Discover the secrets of the sea with this activity accompanied children run by Natural Resources Management Eyre Peninsula.
5.15pm: Flag raising ceremony and national anthem by Brie Ryan; Australia Day award acknowledgements; Citizenship ceremony; lamington unveiling
6pm: Jamie the Magician live on stage. Jamie Nelson (aka Mr Charisma)
with his jaw-dropping, death-defying fire act and Houdini Escape
6.45pm: Dummy spitting competition; Egg and spoon race
8pm: Emily Rawlings live on stage
About 9pm: Fireworks spectacular from the end of the breakwater.
