Locals and visitors are invited to Birchip Memorial Park on Sunday, January 26, to celebrate all things Australian.

The date and origin of Australia Day raises concerns and has negative connotations for some of our community members; however, the celebrations in Birchip are designed to be inclusive, casual and an acknowledgement of the community spirit, goodwill and freedoms we enjoy in Australia, rather than the date and the historical reasons Australia Day is observed on the 26th January.

The day will commence with a breakfast cooked and served by volunteers from the Birchip Lions Club and Wirrim CWA, and is followed by an address from a keynote speaker and presentation of awards from Birchip Community Forum Incorporated president Steve Nottle.

New Categories
This year Forum has introduced two new categories alongside the Citizen of the Year, which are Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. This will provide some additional intrigue to the formalities and extend the recognition provided to those who contribute time and expertise for the betterment of their community.

The guest speaker is Senior Constable Will Ringin, who recently moved to Birchip with his family to undertake police roles within the Buloke Shire. 

The event starts at 8 a.m. with the formalities being conducted by Steve Nottle to get under way at 9 a.m..

Come along and enjoy a morning of festivities with fellow community members and visitors in the area enjoying a long weekend of Mallee hospitality.