"We really do live in an amazing community," chair of the organising committee, Rhonda Futterlieb said.

Last Friday, the Manning River Times reported that just $2000 more was needed to finance fireworks on the evening of Australia Day 2022 in Taree. That same day, Mrs Futterlieb advised: "Thanks to Mick's (McDonald) appeal on the front page, that target has been reached."

Taree Australia Day celebration organisers first asked for community support in the Times on November 26 to raise $12,000 for the fireworks display at the conclusion of a concert on the night of January 26 at the RiverStage in Queen Elizaberth Park, Taree.

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Organisers appealed for 24 business houses to donate $500 to the cause.

There'll be two events held on the riverbank on Australia Day. The first will be the traditional function highlighted by the presentation of the Australia Day awards along with a citizenship ceremony, which makes a return to the program for the first time since 2019.

The second will start at 5pm and will be a concert featuring local performers, culminating in the fireworks display at 9pm.

For the third year the Australia Day function is being organised by the Combined Service Clubs of Taree. The committee has successfully applied to the Australia Day Council for a grant to help cover the costs of the event. However, Mrs Futterleib explained that fireworks isn't part of the criteria and that's why the appeal was launched.

A concert was held in the park at the conclusion of the morning program this year. However, this was conducted in 30 plus degree heat and the committee decided to try an evening function next January.

Mrs Futterleib has also asked for the community to lodge nominations for the various awards.

This includes the citizen of the year, youth of the year (25 and under), community group of the year and achiever of the year. The sports star of the year will also be presented and is run in conjunction with the Manning River Times. To nominate go to the Club Taree website, click on community and track down to the award nominations. These close on Monday, January 10.

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