A plethora of events, including official festivities, will help make this Australia Day long weekend memorable. Photo: Visit NSW.
The Riverina will be busy over the long weekend, with so much happening to celebrate Australia Day. Live music, town traditions, official festivities, fun runs and art workshops are a sample of what’s in store.
Wagga Wagga will recognise outstanding members of the local community on Sunday, before bringing the whole town together for a community breakfast at Wagga Beach on Australia Day, with live music and fun activities to keep people entertained.
Griffith’s Aquatic Centre will host a watercolour workshop, giving people the chance to ease into the world of painting in a stress-free environment.
And the Murrumbidgee Turf Club will hold its Australia Day races, letting punters enjoy the public holiday in style.
Multiple Days
Wagga will recognise its outstanding citizens with its Australia Day Awards. Photo: Visit Wagga Wagga.
Australia Day Celebrations in Wagga Wagga
When: 25 January, 6 pm to 8 pm and 26 January, 7 am to 9 am
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and Wagga Beach, see website for more details
Cost: Free entry.
Australia Day will bring together locals to the Wagga Wagga Theatre to recognise the outstanding contributions that community members have made in the past year. The Australia Day Awards finalists will be announced, and there will be a performance by the Army Band Kapooka.
Then on Monday, a community barbecue breakfast will kick off at 7 am, with Halal and vegetarian options available, along with fun activities and live music. Then, from 9 am, the Mayor will welcome new citizens to the stage, introducing them formally to the Commonwealth.
Friday
Blues prodigy Gwyn Ashton is coming to Tumut. Photo: Tumut River Brewing Company.
Gwyn Ashton Live at Tumut River Brewing Company
When: 23 January, 7 to 11 pm
Where: Tumut River Brewing Company, 1/5 Capper St, Tumut
Cost: Free entry | RSVP here.
Over a quarter century of performing, Gwyn Ashton has played in hundreds of clubs and festivals around the world, with a versatile musical style that works for intimate rooms or crowds of thousands.
His musical talent has been honed through the release of 10 albums, which have made waves in the blues scene, garnering him the respect and accolades of many in the genre.
Don’t miss out on this chance to see a world-touring musician performing in your backyard.
Saturday
Whose entry will come out on top in the Mighty Murrumbidgee Duck Race? Photo: Visit Wagga Wagga.
Mighty Murrumbidgee Duck Race
When: 24 January, 12:30 pm
Where: Wagga Beach, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Tickets are $6.61 | Book online.
An Australia Day tradition in Wagga, the Mighty Murrumbidgee Duck Race is back this week, pitting thousands of rubber ducks against each other as they head downriver. Spectators can buy a duck in the big race and win a share of the cash prize.
In addition, there will be a feast of entertainment and other attractions, including food and drink vendors, live music, amusement rides, face painting and pony rides.
Monday
Get your blood pumping with the Australia Day Fun Run. Photo: Visit NSW.
Australia Day Fun Run — Junee
When: 26 January, race starts at 7:30 am, registrations on the day open from 6:30 am or pre-register at the Junee Library or Junee Recreation Centre
Where: Athenium Theatre, The Broadway, Junee
Cost: Free.
Starting at the Athenium Theatre and continuing through the wetland before looping back around that venue, the Australia Day Fun Run is a great way to boost your fitness this Australia Day. Open to walkers, runners and cyclists, this relaxed 3.5-kilometre track takes you through picturesque Junee and ends with a barbecue breakfast.
Gundagai’s official Australia Day celebrations will be held in Carberry Park. Photo: Visit NSW.
Australia Day in Gundagai
When: 26 January, 9 am
Where: Carberry Park, 245 Sheridan Street, Gundagai
Cost: Free.
Hosted by the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Australia Day celebrations at Gundagai’s Carberry Park will begin at 9 am with a breakfast from the Lions club, and a coffee van and live music.
From 9:30 am, the formalities begin with speeches and the presentation of Australia Day Award nominees, with the winners announced at 10 am. After the formalities, the Gundagai Swimming Pool will help the community beat the heat with a pool party featuring free entry, a sausage sizzle and games for all ages.
Australia Day with an artistic twist is in store at Griffith’s public pool. Image: Griffith City Council.
Australia Day Watercolour Workshop at the Griffith Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre
When: 26 January, sessions from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Griffith Regional Aquatic Centre, 5 Wayeela Street, Griffith
Cost: Free | Register online.
Celebrate Australia Day in a different way with a watercolour class for beginners at the Griffith pool. There will be explorations of colour mixing and brush techniques, culminating in the painting of Australian native florals. This is an introductory session for beginners, providing an easy way to pick up new artistic skills. All paints, brushes and materials are provided and the session includes a free barbecue lunch and ice cream.
BYO apron, or wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
A day at the races awaits. Photo: Visit Wagga Wagga.
Australia Day at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club
When: 26 January, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Two general admission tickets $10 | Book online.
Celebrate Australia’s big day at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club with a full afternoon of racing, entertainment, a DJ, a free kids’ area with amusements, free slushies, games and a sausage sizzle.
There’s no better spot to catch some world-class racing and get dressed to the nines than the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, where you can celebrate Australia Day in style.
Thursday
Over four weeks, the Griffith Regional Art Gallery is inviting young people to pick up new artistic skills. Image: Arts and Culture Griffith.
SmARTy Kids Junior — After-school art classes at the Griffith Gallery
When: 29 January, 4 pm to 5 pm, with further classes on 5, 12 and 19 February
Where: Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith
Cost: Tickets are $40 for four sessions | Book online.
Each Thursday from 29 January until 19 February, Griffith’s Art Gallery will host educational and fun after-school art classes, aimed at students in Years 1 to 4.
Budding Picassos will explore their own creativity and create miniature art, producing works that will be displayed in the gallery’s MoMA (Museum of Miniature Art) during the community exhibition in March.
All materials will be supplied.
