On Australia Day, all around this great land, we reflect on our history, its highs, and its lows.

We respect the stories of others, and we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people.  We're all part of the story.

Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka extends a warm welcome, “I extend an invitation to all members of our community to join us in celebrating Australia Day with a range of exciting events and activities on offer. This is a day for us to reflect on the values that unite us as a community, as well as recognise the achievements of outstanding individuals and organisations. I encourage all residents and visitors to participate in the festivities and embrace the spirit of unity that makes our town so special.”

Narrandera Shire is hosting a variety of events and activities this Australia Day, January 26, with something for every age group and taste. It is a great time to catch up with family and friends after the holiday season.

The day will begin with a free breakfast from 7.30am at Lake Talbot Water Park followed by the Australia Day Ceremony at 8.30am, introducing our Australia Day Ambassador Doug Hawkins, 2020 NSW Local Hero Nominee and proud surf-lifesaving volunteer who is instrumental in taking surf lifesaving overseas, to Israel, India, Thailand, Dubai and the Cook Islands.

Local Ambassador Heather White will also be in attendance, Heather first started as a lifeguard at the age of 17, operated the Barellan Pool Complex for an extensive amount of time, and was an integral part of the ongoing improvements to the facility.

Performances by the Dinawan Connection dancers, Ruben Bamblett and Rachel Warren are included in the ceremony. MCs for the Ceremony will be Madeline and Tahlia (school captains from Narrandera High School) and Narrandera/Leeton Air League under the direction of Bob Manning will proudly raise the Australia Flag. The program is available from narrandera.com.au/australiaday.

A courtesy shuttle bus will be running from 7am to 8.15am stopping at similar bus stops as the Farmers Market train see narrandera.com.au/australiaday for details.  Please enter the ceremony via the bottom gate for this event.

Lake Talbot Water Park will be open to swimmers from 10am to 7pm Australia Day with all facilities available. Normal water park entry fees apply $4 for swimmers, $2 for non-swimmers and children under 4 years free.

The Barellan community will hold their Australia Day event at Barellan Pool from 9am to 12pm and enjoy a community BBQ with fun activities.

Grong Grong will be celebrating Australia Day with a flag raising at 12 noon in Grong Grong Park, then from 12.30pm at Royal Hotel Grong Grong for a community day with yabby races plus fun and games.

The Narrungdera Survival Day March, hosted by the NAIDOC Committee, will meet participants at the Ambulance Station at 10.30am, with the march starting at 11am and going down East Street to the Memorial Park Gardens. Everyone is welcome to participate or attend.

A free First Nations Culture Tour (bookings essential as limited numbers) will be conducted by Sandhills Artefacts from 2pm to 5pm. See website for details.

Join staff from Lake Talbot Tourist Park at Lake Talbot boat ramp for free kayaking in the lake’s kayak area. They will kit you out with the necessary safety gear and brief you on safe kayaking on the lake. Both double and single kayaks are available for use between 12pm and 4pm. Drinks will be on sale from the staff or bring a picnic down.

For those people looking for a music-filled afternoon or to escape the heat, why not attend the free Australia Day Concert at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club featuring the local bush dance band, The Tin Shed Rattlers. The band will be playing from 1pm to 4pm in the Auditorium.