Australia Day celebrations in Wingham on January 26 will this year be held in the Wingham High School MPC (hall) instead of the traditional venue of Central Park.
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The Manning Valley Historical Society (MVHS) made the decision as the usual wet weather alternative of the Wingham Memorial Town Hall was not available, due to MidCoast Council not hiring out venues because of COVID-19.
An additional deciding factor was it would make it easier for organisers to stick to their COVID-19 safety procedures.
"The new venue at Wingham High School is a significant safety bonus," project manager Mave Richardson AM PSM said.
The new venue at Wingham High School is also a significant safety bonus.
- Mave Richardson, AM PSM
MVHS traditionally hosts the Wingham celebrations every year with the Wingham Rotary Club holding the Wingham Australia Day Awards.
This year, however, MVHS says Rotary have decided not to hold the Australia Day awards. Rotary will still man the usual barbecue for a breakfast sausage sizzle, and provide COVID marshalls for the event.
The sausage sizzle begins at 7.30am at the school with the official celebrations starting at 8am.
Aunty Barbara Clarke OAM will perform Welcome to Country and MVHS president Terry Tournoff will welcome the community to the celebrations.
Wingham High School leaders Sarah Busuttil and Charlie Taylor will give their Australia Day Addresses. There will be an a musical interlude arranged by George Hoad.
Mave Richardson AM PSM has high praise for the community support she has received when organizing this event.
"In these challenging COVID times many people have willingly stepped up to help plan the program and to ensure COVID safety procedures are in place; a very positive indicator that our community respects our history and cares about our future," she said.