This year, the ongoing devastating drought and bush fires across the nation have impacted on all Australians. Australia Day 2020 marks a time for coming together and celebrating the unity of our community, and to reflect on our history, our present, and our aspirations for the future.
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While MidCoast Council's official Australia Day celebrations take place in Forster as part of the Saltwater Freshwater Festival, the Wingham and Upper Manning will celebrate Australia Day on Sunday at Wingham's Central Park as usual.
"As never before, this year we honour and support our amazing emergency services people, the thousands of supporting volunteers, and those who have lost so much, across Australia," Manning Valley Historical Society's Australia Day organiser, Mave Richardson AM PSM said.
"Australians have a strong history of mateship, fair go, and loyalty to their country. So many people, both local and from away, have demonstrated these qualities over recent challenging times in our own local communities."
Wingham's celebrations start on Sunday, January 26 at 7.30am with an 'Ozzie' breakfast provided by Wingham Rotary Club, with the Australia Day ceremony and award presentations beginning at 8am.
In the event of rain, the celebrations will take place at Wingham Memorial Town Hall in Farquhar Street.
"Please make the effort to get up a bit early and join with us at our Wingham Australia Day celebrations this year," Mave said.
Program of events
Australia Day celebrations commence in Central Park, Wingham at 7.30am with a free sausage sizzle courtesy of the Wingham Rotary Club.
The ceremony commences at 8am with a welcome from patron of the Manning Valley Historical Society, Mave Richardson AM PSM.
The singing of the National Anthem will be led by Deidre Sutherland, George Hoad and Russell Stanley.
Flag raising will be done by the 1st Wingham Scout Group, followed by addresses by MidCoast Council councillor Kathryn Bell, and Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer and president of the Wingham RSL Sub-branch, Terry Gould.
Reverend Darrell McKeough will offer a Prayer for Australia, and Wingham High School captains 2020 Dimity Bartlett and Billy Callaghan will give their Australia Day Addresses.
Awards will be presented for Citizen of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, and Pride of Workmanship.
The ceremony will be concluded with a musical number, and closing remarks from Mave Richardson.
Scouts from the 1st Wingham Scouts Group will be accepting donations to support our emergency services personnel and those affected by local bushfires.
There will be limited seating so BYO chair.
