Fraser Coast Australia Day events supported

Thong throwing, community sports, free barbecues, live music and a World War I re-enactment are among the activities planned at Fraser Coast Australia Day 2024 events in Maryborough, Poona and Hervey Bay.

Cr James Hansen said the Poona Community Progress Association and the Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise Inc had both applied for and would receive grants through Council’s Australia Day Events Fund.

“Australia Day is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit and the best of this country – our mateship, our sense of community and our resilience,” he said.

“Through these grants, we assist local community groups put on events that bring us together to celebrate and acknowledge every Australian's contribution to our contemporary and dynamic nation.”

The Australia Day Event grants provided include:

• Poona Community Progress Association, $1500. Australia Day event starts at 10am with a morning tea with lamingtons, damper and billy tea provided. Events throughout the day include thong throwing, indoor bowls, community cricket and tennis. A barbecue will be served at 1pm followed by live music and a poet entertaining the crowd until 6pm.
   
• The Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise Inc, $600. Activities will include a free community breakfast, games such as thong throwing and three-legged races, billy tea and damper and a flag raising ceremony.

Cr Hansen said the Hervey Bay Historical Society Museum Association had also applied for and was successful in receiving a Community Celebration Events and Projects sponsorship from Council.

“The $5000 sponsorship from Council will go towards three community events at the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum – a Christmas celebration, an antiques and handcrafts fair and an Australia Day celebration,” he said.

“The Australia Day event will highlight old-time crafts and historic items and include a World War I reenactment with the 9th Battalion and 5th Battalion light horse units.”

Cr Hansen said nominations for the Fraser Coast 2024 Australia Day Awards closed this week (Friday 24 November 2023).

“The Australia Day Awards are a chance for us to congratulate the many people who put so much time and effort into making our community such a fantastic place to live, work and play,” he said.

“We all know someone who inspires us. We’re looking for nominations of outstanding people – both young and old – in sporting, creative, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and volunteer categories.

“This is your chance to celebrate someone you know and recognise the amazing things they do.”

Nomination forms are available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/australia-day