By ALESHA CAPONE
AUSTRALIA Day celebrations in Brimbank and Melton are set to recognise the spirit of mateship, freedom and welcoming new arrivals.
The events in Brimbank will kick off with the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on Sunday 26 January at Kevin Wheelahan Gardens in Devonshire Rd, Sunshine from 8am to midday.
A group of180 residents from more than 20 different cultural backgrounds take their Australian Citizenship vows.
Prior to the ceremony, a free breakfast barbecue will be held from 8am to 9.30am.
There will also be roving entertainment and stage performances.
On Australia Day, the St Albans and Sunshine Leisure Centres pool will be open and free between noon and 3pm.
Aquatic games, a barbeque and Australia Day Dress-ups will be held.
The Sunshine Park Tennis Club will also hold a free event at 4pm in JR Parsons Reserve, Stanford St.
The session will feature a speed serve competition, barbeque, cultural food and drinks, face painting, a jumping castle, prizes and a screening of the 2014 Australian Open Men’s Final.
In Melton, the council will commemorate the landing of the First Fleet from 9.30am to noon at Willows Historical Park, Reserve Rd in Melton. Melton City Council’s will host official celebrations, breakfast, displays, Community Achievement Awards and the city’s largest annual citizenship ceremony.
As part of the celebrations, the council recognises groups and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the community. These awards include the Citizen of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year (under 25), Community Group/Project of the Year and Melton Woman of the Year. Free parking will be available at the Willows Historical Park and in adjacent streets.
