Australia Day
**see below for wet weather information
This Australia Day, celebrate your country and all the wonderful things it has to offer at one of the biggest Australia Day events in the country at the iconic Parramatta Park.
Endless celebrations from morning, noon and night
Celebrations in Parramatta Park will kick-start at 6am to 10am with the spectacular Aerial Carnivale, where the morning skies will be filled with colour as a fleet of hot air balloons ascend above the park.
Take as stroll through the park and stay cool during the peak of the day at the Big Backyard, back by popular demandfrom 10am to 4pm, sure to keep the whole family entertained.
As the sun sets, from 6pm get ready for an explosive concert at the Dig 1100 Concert featuring Aussie rock group Thirsty Merc, Tim Freedman from The Whitlams and the stars of Ice Age 4. At 9pm nestle under the stars for a spectacular fireworks finale presented by Endeavour Energy.
For more information visit www.ausdayparramatta.com.au
2012 Australia Day Local Awards
Pay tribute to someone who makes you proud to be an Australian and nominate him or her for a prestigious Australia Day Local Award.
The Award recognises outstanding achievement and excellence in the local community and categories include:
- Senior Citizen of the Year: 60 years and over
- Citizen of the Year: 22 to 59 years
- Young Citizen of the Year: up to 21 years
- Sportsperson of the Year: open
- Community Project of the Year: any project held in 2011 that benefits the community of Parramatta. The event/project must be coordinated by a local community organisation based in the Parramatta Local Government Area.
**Spectators interested in attending Council’s early morning hot air balloon program, Aerial Carnivale, are encouraged to call our Wet Weather Line 9294 8586, or follow @discoverparra and track the #ausdayparra hashtag on Twitter, for up to the minute updates.
The fly-away, and tethered, hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions on the morning of Australia Day. A final decision on whether the program will proceed is expected to be made by 5:30am.
In the event of Aerial Carnivale being cancelled, those who had purchased hot air balloon ride tickets are eligible for a refund or can choose to have their funds donated to Parramatta Mission.
The remainder of the Australia Day event, which will feature an assortment of entertainment, kids’ activities and performances in Parramatta Park, from 6am-9pm, is planned to proceed as scheduled, however some programming is subject to change, depending on the weather.
The fireworks finale at 9pm will proceed, despite any rain.
Nominations close on 9 January 2012.
