Australia Day events taking place in Greater Bendigo

A range of community groups have planned Australia Day activities for residents on Monday January 26.

The main Australia Day event, presented by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, is again on at Lake Weeroona and runs from 10am – 3pm, with official proceedings starting at 10.30am.

The event will feature a BBQ, live entertainment, family activities, community displays and the popular Rotary market.

Smaller events are also planned for Axedale, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Heathcote, Huntly, Junortoun, Maiden Gully, Mia Mia and Strathfieldsaye.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Australia Day was an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge and reflect on our nation’s deep history, to celebrate the people who have made valued contributions to our community, and to share in our gratitude for our magnificent country,” Cr Prince said.

“There is no better place to embrace Australia Day than in the beautiful Greater Bendigo region with all our local events and activities.

“As we gather in communities across Greater Bendigo, I encourage residents to embrace inclusion and kindness, and to consider how these attributes make Greater Bendigo such a wonderful place to live.

“However you choose to mark this day, it is important that we do so respectfully and recognise it can be a day of sorrow for many First Nations Peoples. It is important we all continue to grow our understanding of Australia’s history.

“It’s going to be a really hot day on Australia Day, so I want to make sure that everyone stays safe in the heat, looks out for those vulnerable to the heat, and that our pets have plenty of water.“

Thank you to the hard work and commitment of the local community groups and volunteers across our region who have worked hard to plan local events.”

On Saturday January 24, the Moonlight Market returns to the Hargreaves Mall from 3pm to 8pm. Then on Friday January 30, the Garden for the Future in White Hills will host Boots n All Band from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for a free event and a relaxed summer evening.

For those looking to escape the heat and cool off at a local pool, there will be free entry to all indoor and outdoor pools on Monday January 26. Please contact your local pool to confirm opening times.