Mansfield Council is inviting the Mansfield community to come together on January 26 to reflect, respect and celebrate.

:We’re all part of the story of Australia – from those whose ancestors walked on Country for tens of thousands of years to the newest Australian citizens,” said a Council representative.

“Australia Day 2022 provides an important opportunity for Mansfield community to celebrate what it means to be Australian, to reflect on the past, present and future.

“We listen and respect each other’s stories, contributions and aspirations. We celebrate being Australian and the simple act of being together, surrounded by friends, family and community and respect that the return of simple pleasures, once taken for granted, have been hard earned.

“This is a day when we can reflect on the challenges of the past year, as we recognise and thank our frontline workers, first responders and the everyday citizens and individuals who are making a difference to our society.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said “The past year has presented our community and businesses with many challenges, the biggest of which is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“But our Shire is a very resilient one. As a community we have worked together to ensure that we continue to grow and prosper in spite of these challenges.

“Australia Day 2022 gives all citizens, whether by birth or choice, the opportunity to openly reflect on what it means to be an Australian and to celebrate our great nation – our rich indigenous and migrant history and promising future,” he said.

Celebrations will include a citizenship ceremony to welcome five new Australians from the UK, Britain, Russia, Indonesia and Turkey. They will join thousands of other Australians who are celebrating their citizenship on our national day.

“Citizenship ceremonies are an important part of our nation’s celebrations, with more people becoming citizens on Australia Day than any other day of the year,” said Cr Tehan.

Cr Tehan will preside over the Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day, which is included in the celebrations to be held at the Botanic Park commencing at 8.30 am with a free barbecue breakfast.

The official ceremony begins at 9am and includes a speeches by Cr Tehan and Australia Day Ambassadors, Kate Jones and Amanda Hose, a Citizenship Ceremony, Affirmation, Flag Raising Ceremony and announcement of Australia Day Citizen Award winners. Free entertainment will be provided by the MAD Orchestra.

Following the formalities, there will be a free ‘Australia Day in the Park Beach Party’ from 11.30am – 5.3 pm that includes entertainment, live music and food and beverage from local producers.

These events are funded by Council, and the National Australia Day Council’s Community Grants Program.

“I encourage everyone on Australia Day to celebrate the values that make us proud to call ourselves Australian, including respect for the freedom and dignity of others, the rule of law, democracy and a fair go for all, said Cr Tehan.