Wollondilly’s official Australia Day celebrations will be held at the Picton Botanic Gardens from 8:00am-12:00 noon on Thursday 26 January 2023.

The event will feature free activities and performances, recognition of some outstanding local residents during the Australia Day awards, and a warm welcome to Wollondilly’s newest residents for the Citizenship Ceremony.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “Wollondilly has a great tradition of getting together to celebrate, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever after two years of restrictions.”

“Australia Day is a great opportunity for everyone to join in and celebrate the place we live and recognise the amazing contribution our award nominees make to the Wollondilly community.”

The nominees for Wollondilly are:

• Joshua Azzopardi
• OSCA - One Stop Community Assistance
• Aunty Karen Adams
• Logan Koch
• Vanessa Morschel
• Peter Fenning
• Lorraine Remfry
• Tristan Triffitt
• Barbara Frew
• Jennie Smith
• Maxine Cooper
• Patrick Nellestein
• Libby Berg
• Inga Schwaiger
• Gaye Wardle
• Wollondilly Community Men's Sheds
• Lisa Gibson
• The Bargo Book Group
• Mark Scambary
• Marjo Hallowell

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear Wollondilly’s Australia Day Ambassador, Warren Kermond OAM, speak about his experience as an Australian entertainer. 

The day will start with a free barbecue breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, tea and coffee at 8:00am.  

Formalities of the day will commence at 9am with a traditional Aboriginal healing ceremony, derived from ancient patterns and teachings and incorporating some of the oldest musical instruments in the world; the clap sticks, didgeridoo as well as the use of fire and smoke. 

The Veterans’ Flag Parade will be at 9:30am, followed by the flag raising, Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day awards.  

There will be free children’s face painting, an airbrush tattooist, free magic show, free balloon twisting, free amusement rides, live music, food and market stalls and more. There will also be a quiet space for those that need some time out.

Activities and local displays will continue until lunchtime, with a free sausage sizzle and lamingtons.

We encourage everyone to come and join us at the Picton Botanic Gardens on 26 January to acknowledge the achievements of our community and to welcome some new citizens. There will plenty of family friendly entertainment to enjoy.