And, the Scone RSL Pipes and Drums will once again perform in Council Chambers next Thursday, marking 20 years since the group’s first official function.

Member Charles Cooke said the band had continued to serve at numerous community events during that time.

“Prior to January 1997, the pipe band that normally played at ANZAC Day called and said they couldn’t make it so the RSL decided we’d better do something about it and that’s how we formed the band,” he said.

“We practice every week apart from a couple that we have off like Christmas and New Year’s.”

Mr Cooke said performing on Australia Day was always special.

“To us it’s a very important celebration and the vast majority acknowledge it for what it is,” he said.

“There’s really good support; the last few years Australia Day has been held in Council Chambers and it’s always been full.

“So that gives an indication of the level of support.”

Over the course of the year, the band also typically appears at local ANZAC Day celebrations, the Scone Horse Festival Parade, the Aberdeen Highland Games, Beersheba Day in Murrurundi, the Country Music Festival, and the Australian Celtic Festival.

“We’re also involved with the starting up of a pipe band at St Joseph’s in Aberdeen,” Mr Cooke added.

“There are a number of students who come and play with the band to get some experience.”

The Australia Day awards ceremony will begin in Scone at 10.30am.