The Combined Services Clubs of Taree invites people of the Manning Valley to come together on Australia Day, Tuesday, January 26.
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The RiverStage on the Manning River Foreshore will be the focal point for the Australia Day celebration in Taree.
Celebrations will run from 8.30am to 2pm and includes free breakfast, morning tea (everyone gets a free lamington!) and entertainment, and lunch will be available for a donation. BYO chair.
No glass or alcohol will be allowed.
Breakfast is offered from 8.30am with music provided by the Manning Valley Concert Band.
Taree's Australia Day ambassador, Kasey Brown, kicks off the official proceedings at 9am with a speech, followed by the Australia Day Awards.
Rotary Club of Taree member Donna Ballard said they had received some quality nominations for the awards.
There are five categories to be awarded: Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the year, Community Achiever of the Year, Community Group of the Year, and the Ken McDonald Memorial Sportstar of the Year, which is held in conjunction with the Manning River Times.
The concert begins with a performance by the Chatham High Indigenous Dancers, which is promised to be a highlight. The music line up includes the Trapps, Matt Zarb, Jim Bird, Wingsong Choir, Silver Strummers, and the Manning Valley Concert Band.
The theme for Australia Day 2021 is Reflect, Respect, Celebrate, we're all part of the story.
"Australia Day will provide an important opportunity for the Manning Valley to reflect on the challenges of the past year, respect the sacrifices and contributions of those who responded in a time of need and celebrate being together and being Australian," organiser Rhonda Futterleib said.
"In the past year Australia has faced immense challenges - drought, bushfire, floods and the coronavirus pandemic. Australia Day is a time for paying respect to all those that have worked tirelessly to make our Manning Valley community a wonderful place to live.
"Australia Day is also a day to reflect on our nation's past - a history which began more than 65,000 years ago with the First Australians - the world's oldest living culture.
"It is also a day on which we respect and share the stories, histories and contributions of everyday Australians, because we're all part of the story of Australia.
"Help us reflect, respect and celebrate with our locals that have been nominated for Australia Day Awards for their community efforts. It will be a great day of local celebration!" Rhonda said.