There were celebrations galore around the Inverell district as people came from all around to celebrate Australia Day and reflect on what makes Australia the country it is today.

Tingha and Ashford celebrated early with community breakfasts and award ceremonies, with Australia Day ambassadors Gus Merzi and Darren Coggan (left) both addressing the crowds.

It was an extra special return to his roots for Mr Coggan, whose family hails from the Ashford district and used to run a business in the town.

The Delungra community turned out in force for the annual Australia Day parade, with families picking any spot in the shade to watch vintage cars, motorbikes, service vehicles, floats, the Inverell Pipe Bands and horseback riders make their way down the main street before the official celebrations began.

Mr Coggan also visited Delungra for the official ceremony and delighted the crowd with his renditions of classic Australian songs, ‘Shelter’ by Eric Bogle, and ‘Waltzing Matilda’.

Voluntary Community Service, Services to Sport and Citizen of the Year awards were given out at Delungra, with Citizen of the Year Bill Wilson keeping it short and sweet in his acceptance speech, stating “I would like to thank everyone” before making his exit off the stage.

The inaugural Miss Australia Day was also crowned at Delungra, with Trystal Wright taking out the honour.

There were four entrants in the competition, and all the girls raised money for Angel Flight helicopter ambulance service.

Yesterday evening Inverell held its celebrations at the Pioneer Village, with old time kids sports, bush poetry and musical entertainment keeping everyone on their toes before the official ceremony.

Thea Batterham was awarded Citizen of the Year for her tireless work with Inverell Camp Quality, Neighbourhood Watch and many other organisations around the town.

Thea is a tireless and unselfish volunteer whose activities often go unnoticed by the community.

Mayor Barry Johnston said Thea’s work was important to the community and needed to be recognised.

© 2009 Inverell Times

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