Residents, friends, family and visitors are being encouraged to celebrate everything that’s great about living in Australia at this year’s Australia Day celebrations, held at the Urana Aquatic Centre from 9am on Tuesday, January 26.
Judging has been completed for the winners of awards at this year’s event, and whilst they remain a surprise until the day, the nominations have been made public.
Australia Day is an opportunity for our community to come together in the spirit of friendship and harmony, showcasing the unique and diverse culture that makes us Australian.
While Australia Day means different things to different people, it is a day that welcomes everyone to reflect on their Australian experience – their past, present and future.
Federation Council Mayor, Pat Bourke said council is looking forward to welcoming the Australia Day Ambassador, Chief Inspector Robert Fitzgerald, via video link, and celebrating with the community in Urana.
“Australia Day 2021 is a day for us to respect and thank the first responders and frontline workers who worked through fire, flood and pandemic to protect life and property, to support their communities and to keep our nation going,” Cr Bourke said.
“We reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.
“And we celebrate our nation’s place in the world – a proud multicultural nation built on shared values that allow us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that other nations aspire to.”
Mayor Bourke said Australia Day is also a day to reflect on our nation’s past – a history which began more than 65,000 years ago with the First Australians – the world’s oldest living culture.
“It is also a day on which we respect and share the stories, histories and contributions of everyday Australians, because we’re all part of the story of Australia,” he said.
“Council is calling on all in support of our many communities, to help build on this great event every year. Council recognises that many communities also host their own local events and would also encourage attendance at this the Federation Council event, from right across the Council area.
“By building on this, we can continue to foster a Council-wide approach to celebrating our National Day and honouring our local achievers. I know that with the strong support of the community, we can achieve this.”
Event details
When: Tuesday, January 26 from 9:00am.
Location: Urana Aquatic Centre.
Official Proceedings: Presentation of Federation Council’s 2021 Australia Day Awards, Official Ceremony including Welcome to the Country, National Anthem and Ambassador Address.
Activities: BBQ food and drinks will be available at a small cost, following the official proceedings there will be a live band performing.
Pre-register and COVID safety
For COVIDsafety reasons and in line with NSW Health restrictions guests wishing to attend the Australia Day event need to pre-register. Attendees can register on Council’s website or if you do not have access to the internet please head to your closest council office or library to pre-register.
Please ensure you have your event ticket with you for check in purposes on the day of the event. Electronic device tickets are preferred. Council offices are able to print hard copies of your ticket if you are unable to do so or unable to bring an electronic device.
In line with NSW Health and Public Health Order restrictions, for the safety of the community if you have not preregistered you will be unable to enter the event grounds.
Council wishes to advise all community members planning on attending this Australia Day event, if you are feeling unwell or have any flu like symptoms to please not attend.
Council will provide a link for the official proceedings to be broadcast on Council’s website for viewing from the comfort of your own home.
Australia Day Ambassador – Robert John Fitzgerald
Federation Council is pleased to announce the 2021 Australia Day Ambassador is Chief Inspector Robert John Fitzgerald, Blacktown Police Area Command.
Robert (Bob) Fitzgerald is the Chief Inspector of the Blacktown Police Area Command and a proud and active member of Western Sydney, having lived in the region for the past 40 years and worked across Sydney’s police stations for over 30 years. His current portfolios include mental health, Aboriginal issues and multicultural community engagement. Chief Inspector Fitzgerald moved to Western Sydney in the 1970’s and was in the first intake of bricklayers at Mount Druitt TAFE. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked in the local area and later joined the NSW Police Force in the 1980’s. He has since served at a number of stations including Redfern, Kings Cross, St Mary’s, Cabramatta, Olympic Security Command Blacktown, Rose Bay and Mount Druitt. Chief Inspector Fitzgerald is a passionate advocate for Western Sydney and is actively involved in helping the local community both on and off duty. He is a strong promoter of multiculturalism and serves as the Chair of the Board of SydWest Multicultural Services, a leading organisation for all cultural diversity issues responding to community need and opportunities to refugees and humanitarian entrants.
Award nominations
Federation Council Community Event of the Year
The Community Event of the Year Award recognises an event held in 2020 that best reflects the importance of strong community values and ties. The Nominations are as follows –
Corowa Rutherglen Virtual Relay for Life
41st Annual Corowa Swim-In and Military Vehicle Gathering
Federation Council Local Achiever Award
The Local Achiever of the Year Award
The Local Achiever of the Year Award celebrates local heroes in each town and village who go beyond to make their own community a great place to live. The Nominations are as follows –
Kathryn Bruce
Vivian Spilva
Paul Carrol
Cassandra Hughes
Meredith Miegel
George Jenkins
Federation Council Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year Award
The Citizen of the Year Award applauds an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the well-being of the Federation Council community through their leadership and/or voluntary service. Contributions can be in the areas of social, environmental, business and/or arts and culture. The Nominations are as follows –
Kathryn Bruce
Vivian Spilva
Paul Carrol
Cassandra Hughes
Meredith Miegel
George Jenkins
Federation Council Young Citizen of the Year
Maxim Blockley
Zali Peters
Dylan Forge
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