Enjoy Australia Day

BEACHPORT CELEBRATIONS: Like last year (pictured) Australia Day breakfast at Beachport still going ahead. Photo supplied Wattle Range Council.

WATTLE Range Council encourages all residents and visitors to celebrate Australia Day this Wednesday, whether it’s visiting one of our fabulous beaches, parks or lakes; or attending a smaller event, there is plenty to fun to be had across the Wattle Range Council area.

This year’s Australia Day breakfasts in Millicent, Kalangadoo and Penola have unfortunately been cancelled on the considered advice of the respective Lions Clubs in response to growing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Smaller invitation only events will be held for the Australia Day Award recipients and Australian Citizenship ceremonies in these wards. Specific details of these presentations will be provided directly to those involved.

“Concerns about the growing number of COVID cases across the region has had an unfortunate but understandable impact on volunteer availability, and the Millicent, Penola and Kalangadoo breakfasts have regrettably been cancelled,” Council CEO Ben Gower explained.

“Council both supports and respects the decision to cancel the breakfasts this year, and sincerely thanks all Lions for the wonderful support they provide to our communities,” he said.

At the time of going to print, the Beachport Australia Day Breakfast is still planned to go ahead at Lagoon Reserve, Sommerville Street, Beachport from 8am.

In the afternoon, the Southend Progress Association and Tantanoola Progress Association will both again host free family friendly events, also proudly supported by the Council.

As announced earlier this month, Wattle Range residents to be honoured on the day include:

– Citizen of the Year – Maurie Puiatti (Corcoran), Mary Anne Stuckey (Kintore) and Kathy Fennell (Riddoch)

– Young Citizen of the Year – Fiona McDonald (Corcoran)

– Community Event of the Year – Millicent Geoventure 2020 (Corcoran) and Stand Like Stone Fashion Market (Riddoch)

– Active Citizenship – Carol Grbich (Sorby Adams)

“We are pleased to be able to hold the remaining events outdoors during uncertain times,” Mr Gower said.

“To assist with reducing risk we encourage attendees to socially distance, wear a mask, and of course if you are feeling at all unwell please stay home.”

Anyone seeking more information on any of the Australia Day celebrations are encouraged to visit our website or follow the Wattle Range Council Facebook page.