Australia sizzles with celebration today as towns around the Inverell Shire and the country at large put the #changethedate debacle to the side and celebrate as one nation.
January 26, 2018, celebrates who we are right now – warts and all. And like Aussies themselves, the date has evolved over time, changing in its essence. What began as the anniversary of the first fleet’s arrival in 1788 has evolved into a celebration of a great country and has come to reflect the nation’s diverse people.
The fact that the date is a difficult symbol, is just an extra reason as to why it should be kept as both a day of light and darkness, of sorrow and joy. It marks the survival of the Indigenous people, the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain and the characteristics of independence, mateship and the love of a juicy Aussie barbeque. Because as any Australian knows, there’s no better way to defuse tension than by firing up the barbie and sharing some laughs with friends and neighbours. And across Australia today, we’ll be united by our love of a sausage sizzle downed down by a pint of lager
Today in Inverell, many residents rose early and headed to the different hotspots for a celebration.
Victoria Park
Celebrate Australia Day at Victoria Park from 7.30am. Start your Australia Day in the best way possible with a free BBQ brekkie, courtesy of the Macintyre Lions Club, coffee from Wellard’s Artison Bakehouse and plenty of free fun for the kids with a Jumping Castle, facepainting and lots of goodies. The official ceremony kicks off at 8.30 am with speeches, a performance by the Danthonia Choir and awards ceremonies for Community Event, Young Citizen, and Citizen of the Year. There will be a flag-raising ceremony and singing of the national Anthem.
Tatt’s Hotel
Or you can beat the heat this Australia day and come to the Arvo party at Tatt’s Hotel to chill out in the Beer-Garden to the Live music of local legend Dan (Wadey) Wade, with his relaxed acoustic vibe. Or spend some time in the VIP Lounge with live music from 4pm.
Inverell East Bowling
Start the day at 10am for “Pairs” bowls (Women and men welcome) followed by a BBQ lunch by the greens. Have a crack at jack attack from 4pm and get tips and knowledge of the game from friendly staff/ members.
Extra meat trays and prizes in the raffles tickets on sale from 6pm and drawn at 7pm.
Join the club in its dance night feature with Rock ‘n’ Roll from the 50s and 60s from 7.30pm.
Inverell Royal Indian Kitchen
The restaurant is open on January 26 for a one-year anniversary opening.
The set lunch and set dinner includes curry and rice, ppdam, pakora and tandoori naan as well as the choice of any curry on the menu for $15.90 pp.
Open from 12pm - 2.30pm and 6 pm - 8:30 pm. Book on 0403262984 or 0267224527
Delungra
A free community event , organised by the Delungra District Development Committee, takes place at ANZAC park at 11am. Expect awards presentations, market stalls, a BBQ and more live entertainment.
Yetman
There will be an Australia Day Cricket grudge match between Yetman and “The Ferals” at the Terry Barnes Oval from 10am. Events include a damper-making competition, a tug-o-war flag-raising event, and all proceeds of the BBQ will go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Barraba
At Barraba RSL hall there will be a community breakfast at 8am, followed by a 9am ceremony with an address by Graham Ross.
The Inverell Times will be covering tomorrow’s events with and be live streaming from a number of venues. Come and say ‘hi’, we’d love to meet you.