Inverell Shire Council is encouraging residents to celebrate Australia Day at a number of community events this Saturday, January 26.

Mayor Paul Harmon said free events and award presentations will take place events across the Shire to celebrate the occasion.

“In our Shire there are four separate community celebrations taking place on Saturday in Inverell, Ashford, Delungra and Yetman. Each celebration reflects the community in which it’s being held and includes free, family friendly entertainment”.

“Inverell will host the Australia Day breakfast celebrations from 7.30am in Victoria Park, with the official ceremony commencing at 8.30am”.

“Ashford Lions Club is hosting a free Australia Day barbecue in Walter McRae Park from 8am and Yetman will be hosting their annual charity cricket match at Terry Barnes Oval from 10am”.

Australia Day ambassador James Fry will appear at both Inverell celebrations in and also Delungra’s event, which starts at 10.30am.

Cr Harmon says he expects a bumper crowd to gather at Victoria Park, with Danthonia Youth Choir, Inverell Pipe Band and Jemima McLachlan providing live entertainment and the Macintyre Lions Club cooking up a barbecue breakfast.

Award presentations at Inverell, Delungra and Ashford will recognise youth, events and adults for their contributions to our community.

“I encourage locals and visitors alike to bring along a chair or rug and enjoy Australia Day celebrations wherever they are in Inverell Shire”.

Details of events are listed below:

Ashford: 8.00am – 11.00am Walter McRae Park. Free barbecue. BYO seating.

Delungra: 10.30am – 1.00pm Anzac Park. Barbecue lunch available, street parade, live music and Australia Day Ambassador James Fry.

Inverell: 7.30am – 9.30am Victoria Park. Barbecue breakfast (gold coin donation), mobile coffee, face painting, jumping castle, live music, Ambassador James Fry. BYO seating.

Yetman: 10.00am – Terry Barnes Oval. Annual Australia Day cricket match.