General News
21 January, 2025
Communities to celebrate
Events are happening across the Central Goldfields Shire to mark Australia Day 2025, with something for everyone, and an opportunity to catch up with friends old and new.
As seen in previous years, Australia Day services will be dotted throughout the Central Goldfields Shire later this month, with local towns hosting their own events.
The largest event will be in Maryborough, Station Domain, with a free breakfast from 8.30 am alongside kids’ activities, followed by official proceedings at 9.15 am.
The day will also include the shire’s Australia Day Awards. Among them is Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Award of the Year.
New citizens will be sworn in and medals given out to the shire’s new babies of 2024. Plus, for three and four year olds starting kinder in 2025, kindergarten books will be handed out. Registrations are now open for medallions and kindergarten books on the council’s website.
A short ways away over in Talbot will be another free breakfast starting at 8 am at the Talbot RSL Park. Organised by Talbot Today and Tomorrow, the group’s president, Greg McNeilly, said they’ve been doing it since 2000.
“It’s just a good wholesome breakfast,” he said.
In the Gordon Gardens at Dunolly will be a free barbecue from 10 am prepared by the local fire brigade with an official address at 11 am.
Likewise, at the Market Reserve in Carisbrook, there will be a free barbecue from 10.30 am provided by the Carisbrook Lions Club alongside a ceremony and award presentations.
And then, at 11 am, the Community Centre at Daisy Hill will be home to a free barbecue and service.
Also starting at 11 am the Bealiba Town Hall will be hosting a free barbecue on the day thanks to the Country Women’s Association (CWA).
There will be a flag raising and children singing iconic Australian songs like Home Among the Gum Trees and Waltzing Matilda. They will also be hosting guest speaker Suzie Deason who’s currently with DEECA and previously Parks Victoria for 21 years.
Bealiba CWA president, Heather Davis, hopes everyone will come along and join in the festivities.
“It’s a sense of community, and fellowship, and friendship, and mateship, and all those things that Australians are known for,” she said.