Townsville celebrates Australia Day with free community event
Date published: 25 January 2018
Townsville City Council is celebrating Australia Day tomorrow with a free community event packed with activities like the early-morning fun run, an Aussie breakfast, and live entertainment.
The day will also include the traditional Citizenship, Flag Raising, and Australia Day Awards ceremonies.
The Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will once again visit Townsville to participate in the official State Flag Raising Ceremony.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she was excited to have the Queensland Governor and Queensland Premier back in Townsville for the 2018 celebrations.
“Townsville has a rich history and it is great to have it recognised by having His Excellency and the Premier here to take part in the traditional flag raising ceremony,” she said.
Cr Hill said the city would welcome 49 new citizens, and award seven outstanding individuals and organisations for their achievements and service to the community.
“It’s always a very special moment welcoming and congratulate all of our new Australian citizens and seeing how proud they are,” Cr Hill said.
“I always look forward to the Australia Day Awards and hearing about all the amazing things happening in the community.”
The Australia Day event begins at 6.45am with the annual fun run, followed by the free Aussie Breakfast and the official ceremonies beginning at 8.30am.
Cr Hill encouraged residents to come along to Jezzine Barracks and enjoy the free community event.
“The Air Force flypast and 21-gun salute are always a highlight of the day, especially for the kids,” she said.
“It’s going to be a great day and I’m looking forward to taking a minute to appreciate our community and their love of Australia.”
A community celebration will also be held in Rollingstone for Australia Day – supported by Townsville City Council.
The event will be held at Pace Park and includes a free brunch, free family activities and welcome packs for the first 50 children to arrive. The fun starts at 9am.
Key Times:
- 6.45am: Fun Run begins
- 8.00am: Fun Run Presentations and Aussie breakfast
- 8.00am: Free children’s amusements, food court and live entertainment starts
- 8.30am: Citizenship Ceremony
- 10.00am: State Flag Raising Ceremony followed by 21-gun salute and flypast
- 11.00am: Australia Day Awards Ceremony
Road Closures
Road closures will be on place within the Jezzine Barracks area between 5am and 1pm on Australia Day. No entry will be permitted from The Strand, Mitchell St and Cook St.
Noise Warning
The Australian Defence Force will be conducting a traditional 21-gun salute and the Royal Australian Air Force will follow with a fly past following the 10am Flag Raising Ceremony.
For more information and a timetable of events, visit whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au.
