Stop, reflect and enjoy because today is the day where millions of Aussies across the country celebrate being alive and being Australian.
While some would be digging out their thongs and barbecues for a day of festivities, others would be getting ready for an official awards ceremony and some may be just enjoying some quiet time at home.
Australia Day is a special occasion on the calendar where each year since the 1930s community members have recognised the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788.
Political parties and advocates may use the day to push their idea of the best Australia, but the day is really about celebrating what is great and the real achievers in the country at local, state and national awards ceremonies.
The special achievers in the Upper Hunter Shire will be officially recognised at ceremonies in Scone, Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Merriwa where Australia Day ambassadors Jill Bruce, Viviene Kartsounis and Sarah Garnett will share their stories with the community.
A sports fanatic Ms Kartsounis joined the Murrurundi community yesterday evening to start their celebrations with a walk around the town followed by a barbecue for dinner.
There is plenty to see and do today with the Lake Glenbawn Classic on the Eastern Foreshore at Glenbawn Dam from 9am.
Celebrations at Aberdeen will kick off with a 3 person Ambrose golf competition at 9am at the Aberdeen Golf Course.
The official lunch and awards ceremony will be held at Aberdeen Bowling Club from 1pm to 2.30pm, followed by bowls and darts.
The main awards ceremony in Scone will be held at the Town Square outside the Upper Hunter Shire Council Administration Building at 10.30am.
Two residents Zanqin Shi and Suzi Coughlan will become official residents when they are naturalised.
There will be free admission to the Scone Memorial Swimming Pool with a free sausage sizzle, Sparkles the Clown, jumping castle, music and novelty events from 12pm to 4pm.
Merriwa’s Australia Day celebrations will start with the awards ceremony at 11am followed by a free barbecue lunch at 12noon at Merriwa Sports Club.
Merriwa Pool will be open for free admission with activities from 3pm to 7pm.
The action in Murrurundi will kick off at 8am with Australia Day markets and morning tea at Wilson Memorial Oval.
The awards ceremony will be held at 11am with a grand parade at 1pm followed by novelty events, games, a barbecue and ute show.
There will be free admission to Murrurundi Pool from 4pm to 6pm.
Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts said today is the day we celebrate all that is great about this country we live in and the people we share it with.
“I encourage everyone to attend one of the events in Scone, Aberdeen, Murrurundi or Merriwa and listen to your ambassadors story,” Cr Watts said.
“Two individuals have made a decision to become Australian citizens today and I am proud that I can conduct this ceremony and welcome them both as our newest Australians on this day.
“Today’s Australia Day ceremonies will also include presentations for junior and senior citizens awards, together with cultural and volunteer awards and scholarships.
“I would like to personally congratulate all nominees across the shire, your dedication in your individual fields is remarkable and is demonstrated through your profiles that will be read today Australia Day,” she said.
“I would also like to thank the people that nominated our worthy recipients and I encourage them to invite others to do so in future years.
“Join in the spirit of the day and happy Australia Day.”
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