Australia Day Celebrations
11 January 2024
Planning is well under way for the 2024 Australia Day celebrations, which will see a fun day of events and activities for the community to enjoy.
They will begin with the traditional Whyalla Harriers Fun Run leaving from Ada Ryan Gardens at 8am, with the Whyalla Australia Day Picnic, also in the gardens, between 12pm and 4pm.
City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone is again looking forward to the Australia Day celebrations, saying it will be a proud moment presenting the prestigious Citizen of the Year Awards while welcoming new citizens to our great city at a special ceremony on the eve of Australia Day, and then joining the community at the picnic the following day.
“Australia Day means a lot of different things to different people. To me it is a day to celebrate Whyalla, our place in Australia, and to acknowledge and be proud of the wonderful, diverse people that make up our community,” Mayor Stone said.
“It presents us the opportunity to come together, reflect and remind ourselves about everything that is great about our community – where we have come from, what we have now, and what lies ahead – while at the same time re-committing ourselves to continue working towards a united Australia.
The Beyond Bank Whyalla Fun Run is expected to attract another huge group of enthusiasts with the 5km run open to all ages. Race day entry and bib collection will be available between 6.30 and 7.30am at the gardens. To register, simply visit the Whyalla Harriers Australia Day Fun Run website.
Headline act “The Splash Test Dummies” will lead the entertainment at the Australia Day Picnic with an array of stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling and side-splitting slapstick comedy. The Dummies will be ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into some circus-filled hilarity for the whole family.
The Splash Test Dummies on stage at a recent show!
Local musician Emily Rawlings will perform the Australian Anthem for the flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Whyalla Navy Cadets.
There will also be plenty of live music from local musicians including Emily performing as Miss E, pub favourite Jack Daw, and well-known and loved Gavin Chandler.
Other activities will continue to cater for families with a range of food and drink to keep everyone happy.
Council will also sponsor a free bus service to ensure the event is accessible to residents throughout the city without private transport. More information will follow on Council’s socials and website, including the bus route.
Similar to last year, the Whyalla Australia Day Awards will be presented at a separate ceremony at Council’s Civic Building – although this time at its Grundel Street location. The change last year was well received and praised by participants as the venue offered all award recipients, new citizens and their families a quieter and more intimate atmosphere for such an important occasion. By being held on the eve of Australia Day, all attendees will be able to relax and also enjoy the Australia Day picnic.
Residents are welcome to attend the awards presentation, or watch online via the livestream on Council’s Facebook page.
