There are plenty of reasons and plenty of ways to celebrate this week in the Riverina. Photo: Envato.
The Riverina is humming with activity this week, particularly on Thursday when most councils will mark Australia Day in one way or another. Pool parties, barbecues, breakfasts and citizenship ceremonies will abound.
The same day will see several Survival Day events across the Riverina, including marches, markets, cultural activations and many more opportunities to connect with First Nations people.
In between you’ll find a host of school holiday activities served up courtesy of Riverina Regional Library branches, the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll tribute show and cheeky speed dating sessions for a good cause (and we don’t just mean your love life).
All Week
Head to Cootamundra Library from 2 pm on Wednesday 25 January to make your own pasta suncatcher. Photo: Riverina Regional Library.
Riverina Regional Library School Holiday Program
When: Various dates and times
Where: Riverina Regional Library, Cootamundra, Junee and Leeton branches
Cost: Free.
Branches of the Riverina Regional Library have a host of fun and wholesome school holiday activities lined up for the week. On Friday 20 January at 10 am head to Cootamundra Library to make your own pom-pom monsters or Junee Library to make your own puppets. Leeton Shire Library will host card-making from 10:30 am on Monday 23 January. Junee will host Australia Day-themed crafts to get you in the spirit on Tuesday 24 January from 10 am. Then on Wednesday 25 January there’s “Big School Storytime” at Leeton Shire Library from 10:30 am or you can make your own pasta suncatchers at Cootamundra Library from 2 pm.
Friday
Batlow Library’s Sarah Kynaston had a blast creating an escape room from scratch. Photo: Envato.
Escape Room @ Batlow Library
When: Friday 20 January, 10 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm
Where: Batlow Library, Pioneer St, Batlow
Cost: $5 (teams of two to four), call 6941 2446 to book.
This is your last chance to participate in Batlow Library’s popular escape room series, suited to children aged from 10 years old and their families. Follow the cryptic clues and solve puzzles to reveal the mystery code word that will unlock a treasure … but hurry, you only have 30 minutes!
His unique comedy and energy make Andy Jones’ shows utterly engaging for kids. Photo: ssj414/iStock.
Riverina Regional Library School Holiday Program
When: Friday 20 January, 10:30 am (Rap and Rhyme) and 11:45 am (What’s the Joke)
Where: Leeton Shire Library, Sycamore St, Leeton
Cost: Free, book here.
With his electric guitar and one heck of a voice, children’s author and entertainer Andy Jones will have the kids in stitches as he performs two musical comedy shows. Fans of baby rhyme time will have a blast at Rap and Rhyme (10:30 am) targeted at preschoolers and their parents and carers. And during What’s the Joke (11:45 am), Andy will teach kids how to create jokes and deliver a punchline. Of course, bringing your own jokes along is encouraged.
You might make a love connection at the Wagga Wagga Takes Two Fundraiser 2023, but you’ll definitely support a good cause. Photo: Thirsty Crow.
Speed dating @ Thirsty Crow
When: Friday 20 January, 6:30 pm (30 – 50 years) and 7:30 (18 – 30 years)
Where: Thirsty Crow, 153 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $45, book here.
Rural Outreach Counselling is the chosen charity for the Thomas Bros’ Wagga Wagga Takes Two Fundraiser event – speed dating. There will be two sessions – one for the 30 to 50 age group (6:30 pm) and one for the 18 to 30 age group (7:30 pm). Tickets include a welcome drink and pizza on arrival, before you go on a series of mini dates. At the end you can decide who to contact further through a matching platform.
Sunday
Get ready for a “non-stop journey of the greatest songs of all time”. Photo: Ben Maiorana Entertainment.
Twist & Shout: A salute to rock ‘n’ roll
When: Sunday 22 January, 3 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way (off Tarcutta St), Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adults $69.90, concession $64.90, subscriber $59.90, child $49.90, group (8+) $59.90, book here.
This international tribute celebrating the hits of the rock ‘n’ roll legends of the 50s and 60s features tributes to Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Del Shannon, Jerry Lee Lewis and Australia’s Johnny O’Keefe, as well as the No 1 hits of The Bee Gees, The Beatles, The Monkees and The Hollies to name a few. Starring the multiple award-winning and internationally renowned Williams Brothers, audiences will be taken back to where it all began …
Thursday
Mark Australia Day with tunes from Capital Club Band at this free event. Photo: Carathool Shire Council.
Gowi Groove on the Grass
When: Thursday 26 January, from 7 pm
Where: Goolgowi Rec Ground, Goolgowi
Cost: Free entry, to book call (02) 6965 1900.
Come one, come all to Goolgowi Rec Ground for free live music from the Capital Club Band. Food and drinks will be available. A shuttle bus leaving Hillston at 6 pm will be free but bookings are essential. Call 02 6965 1900 to confirm your seat.
The Coro has lined up plenty to keep the kids entertained on Australia Day, while you enjoy bistro specials and a cold one. Photo: Envato.
Australia Day Family Fun Day at the Coro
When: Thursday 26 January, from 11:30 am
Where: Coro Club, 20-26 Harward Rd, Griffith
Cost: Membership fee (from $5.50).
The Coro is pulling out all the stops to ensure families have fun on Australia Day. There will be a jumping castle, kids’ karaoke “sing and win” competition, fairy floss, slushie machine, ice cream van, face painting, lucky dip prizes and a colouring in competition. There will also be bistro specials and kids can enjoy an all-you-can-eat deal for $5 – you beauty.
Expect loads of cultural activities and workshops at this First Nations event. Photo: Burrundi Theatre.
Yarruwala Yalul Always
When: Thursday 26 January, 3 pm – 9 pm
Where: Griffith City Park, 26 Kookora St, Griffith
Cost: Free entry.
All are welcome to join at Yarruwala Yalul presented by Burrundi Theatre. There will be a sausage sizzle and cultural activities and workshops including weaving, artefacts and barefoot touch, a jumping castle for the kids, markets, dance and music from Indigenous artists. Featured artists will include River Country, Tahalianna, Beacho2700, Lawrence Barlow, Damien Thorne, Dizzy Doolan, Roger Knox & Buddy Knox and more.
The Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council are championing Survival Day. Photo: Supplied.
Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council presents Survival Day
When: Thursday 26 January,
Where: Griffith Regional Aquatic Centre, 5 Wayeela St, Griffith
Cost: Free entry.
In partnership with Griffith City Council the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC) is organising a celebration of Wiradjuri culture for Survival Day on the 26 January Australia Day public holiday. The huge event offers free entry to the pool, a host of Indigenous performances, market stalls, face painting, art and craft works from Indigenous artists, a free sausage sizzle and much more. This free event is open to all, no matter where you’re from, where you’re going or your walk of life. For more information, visit the GLALC Facebook.
The Leeton community is invited to converge first at Mountford Park and then Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre for this year’s Australia Day celebrations. Photo: Visit Leeton.
Leeton Shire Australia Day Celebrations
When: Thursday 26 January, 8 am – 10 pm
Where: Mountford Park, 4 Jarrah St, Leeton and Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre, 2 Palm Ave, Leeton
Cost: Free entry.
In Leeton, Australia Day starts with a free barbecue breakfast from 7:30 am at Mountford Park, hosted by the Rotary Club of Leeton, with entertainment by the Leeton Town Band. Official proceedings including a citizenship ceremony and Australia Day Awards start at 9:15 am after which there will be a tasty bush tucker lunch. Then from 3 pm to 8 pm, you’re invited to cool off at the pool party at Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre. There will be free entry to the pool, a DJ and plenty of fun activities.
There’s free entry to Darlington Point Swimming Pool for this party, which includes a giant slip and slide. Photo: Murrumbidgee Council.
Darlington Point Australia Day Pool Party
When: Thursday 26 January, 12 pm – 3 pm
Where: Darlington Point Swimming Pool, Pool Road, Darlington Point
Cost: Free entry.
Few things say “Australia Day celebration” more than a pool party. This one boasts a giant slip and slide, fantastic prizes, free sausage sizzle and a fully stocked canteen. Entry to the pool is free for the event – bloody ripper.
Featured artwork entitled Men Sitting, Snake Shifting by community member Mark Flack will also feature on banners for Survival Day. Photo: Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee.
Narrungdera Survival Day March
When: Thursday 26 January, 10:30 am
Where: Narrandera Ambulance Station, 22 East St, Narrandera
Cost: Free.
All Narrandera Shire community members are welcome in this march, which is set to celebrate the oldest surviving Indigenous culture. Meet at the ambulance station at 10:30 am for an 11 am start from East Street and down to Memorial Park. It’s recommended you bring your own chair if you wish to stay afterwards, and be sure to stay sun safe.
Narrandera is putting on an Australia Day-themed Glow Roller Disco at Pioneer Hall. Photo: Deagreez/iStock.
Australia Day Glow Roller Disco
When: Thursday 26 January, 1 pm – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Hall, 5-45 Elizabeth St, Narrandera
Cost: Free entry and skate hire.
If a disco beat is more your speed, roll on in to Narranderra’s Pioneer Hall for the Australia Day-themed Glow Roller Disco. You’ll get free entry and skate hire and the canteen will be open to provide refreshments.
Temora is going all out for Australia Day, but you must book your spots by 24 January. Photo: Temora Shire Council.
Temora Australia Day Pool Party
When: Thursday 26 January, 3 pm – 9 pm
Where: Temora Recreation Centre, 128-130 Anzac St, Temora
Cost: Free, book here.
Temora is going all out for Australia Day with festivities at the Temora Recreation Centre. Enjoy free entry to the pool from 3 pm including free waterslide sessions from 3 pm to 5 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. Music comes courtesy of Shelley & Kate from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Expect games and Australia Day freebies as well, but make sure you register before the cutoff (24 January).
Ariah Park’s Australia Day pool party includes a floating obstacle course and waterslide. Photo: Visit Temora.
Ariah Park Australia Day Pool Party
When: Thursday 26 January, 11 am – 8 pm
Where: Ariah Park Swimming Pool, Wellman St, Ariah Park
Cost: Free, book here.
As Australia Day heats up, cool off at Ariah Park’s pool party. Pool entry is free for the event, including a floating obstacle course, waterslide and sausage sizzle. Be sure to register your attendance by the close of business on 24 January for planning purposes.
There will be plenty of Australia Day-themed shenanigans at Wagga’s Victory Memorial Gardens. Photo: moisseyev/iStock.
Australia Day Community Event Wagga Wagga
When: Thursday 26 January, 7 am to 12 pm
Where: Victory Memorial Gardens, cnr Baylis and Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry.
Wagga’s free community event starts with a delicious free barbecue breakfast with halal and vegetarian options, served to the sound of Triple M broadcasting live. There will be a sandcastle sculpture demonstration and workshop, face painting, a thong throwing competition and Australia Day-themed cookie decorating. From 9 am join the mayor of Wagga as he welcomes the newest citizens to Australia as part of this year’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on the main stage.
Australia Day goes out with a bang in Jerilderie. Photo: Murrumbidgee Council.
Jerilderie Australia Day Celebrations
When: Thursday 26 January, from 6:30 pm
Where: Luke Park, Powell St, Jerilderie
Cost: Free entry.
Jerilderie Australia Day celebrations kick off later than most but with good reason. There will be free entry including a free barbecue dinner, Australia Day Awards at 8 pm and best of all, a stunning display of fireworks at 9:45 pm.
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