Hastings residents can look forward to a feast of activities planned to celebrate Australia Day – talent quests, markets, rides and an outdoor cinema, to name a few.
So too clubs, pubs, parks, backyards and beaches will be the homing ground for parties galore.
Crowds will be treated to a host of free events, competitions and rides to be staged in parks and reserves at Wauchope, Laurieton and Port Macquarie alongside official ceremonies attended by Hastings Australia Day Ambassador, Paula Duncan.
In a first for the Hastings, the inaugural Port Macquarie’s Got Talent will be a highlight of Australia Day proceedings at Westport Park, Port Macquarie.
Council’s Corporate Event Co-ordinator urged all ages to register their details for the talent quest taking place at 5pm.
“Whether you’re a singer, acrobat, dancer or magician, make sure to register your details and show off your hidden talent to the Hastings,” Ms Mead said.
Handicraft and market stalls will again be dotted along the foreshore of Westport Park and, in another Australia Day first, the Port Macquarie Marine Base Rescue will open its doors to the public, showcasing the facilities, equipment and voluntary services the organisation provides to the boating community.
Wauchope celebrations in Bain Park will be boosted with an additional ambassador, former local and Icehouse frontman Iva Davies. Another feature of the Wauchope festivities will be the Pinnacle of Terror ride, featuring six different activities including a climbing wall, high wire walk and trapeze, sure to test the nerves of thrill-seekers.
“We have introduced this free activity in an effort to cater for kids and teenagers, and encourage everyone to come down to Bain Park to try it out, but please remember to wear closed-in shoes,” Ms Mead said.
Following the conclusion of Australia Day events at Wauchope, the Pinnacle of Terror will be moved to Westport Park.
Laurieton will wake up to the stirring sounds of the Hastings District Highland Pipe Band, kicking off proceedings at 7am in Bruce Porter reserve; and who are also nominated for the Community Group of the Year Australia Day award.
To conclude the day, people are invited to enjoy and share in the Australian classic, The Man from Snowy River, the feature film at the free Outdoor Cinema in Westport Park.
Participants can register their details for Port Macquarie’s Got Talent via the Council’s website at www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/ports gottalent until 5pm Tuesday, January 24.
