Australia Day in full swing for Lismore, Grafton, Coffs, Tweed and Ballina

Covid may have forced changes to regular Australia Day events but there’s still lots on. Here’s our guide to Australia Day on the North Coast.

It is time to dust off the green and gold because Australia Day has rolled around again.

Whether you believe in celebrating the day or not – there’s an event to suit every occasion.

Here are just a few of the events that are on.

Lismore

At Lismore Town Hall Gilbert Laurie presents a smoking ceremony ahead of the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. Photo: Alison Paterson

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY

Lismore City Council’s Australia Day and New Citizenship ceremony will celebrate those who have chosen to make Australia home.

The event will conclude with a free barbecue lunch provided by the Rotary Clubs of Lismore Networking and Lismore West.

The Australia Day address will be given by this year’s Australia Day Ambassadors, Olympic track cyclist Kaarle McCulloch and Olympic diver Kevin Chavez.

WHEN: From 9am

WHERE: Lismore City Hall

Ballina

Master of ceremonies of the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards 2021 was netballer and broadcaster Liz Ellis.

Ballina Shire Council Australia Day ceremonies will be virtual in 2022.

KID’S FISHING COMPETITION

Come join the festivities on the Richmond River at the Ballina RSL Club.

Activities include a free sausage sizzle, over $8000 in prizes and following presentation in the auditorium

WHEN: From 8am
WHERE: Ballina RSL

Byron

A rally in support of indigenous rights and concerns about how Australia Day is represented and celebrated was held in Lismore on January 26, 2021. Photo: Alison Paterson

NORTHERN RIVERS SURVIVAL DAY MARCH AND GATHERING

A march and gathering from Brunswick Beach down to Byron Bay, arriving at Apex Park.

At Apex Park, there will be information/stalls and a stall dedicated to the Uluru Statement from The Heart and the Makarrata.

Following this, there will be a welcome to Country, a few speeches, and singalong with Uncle Billy.

WHEN: 11am
WHERE: Apex Park, Byron Bay

JUDITH LUCY AND DENISE SCOTT

If you wanted something more lighthearted for your Australia Day celebrations, why not cheer on some Aussie comedic legends.

Denise Scott and Judith Lucy are presenting their work in progress showings of tours in Brunswick Heads.

To book tickets, head here.

WHEN: From 6.30pm
WHERE: Brunswick Picture House
COST: $42

Tweed Shire

A Tweed musician performs at Tweed Shire Council's Australia Day ceremony at Twin Towns Services Club in 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

Tweed Shire Council Australia Day ceremonies will be virtual in 2022.

OASIS POOLS AUSTRALIA DAY POOL PARTY

Avoid the heat and dive into this annual pool party.

Bring your fold-up chairs, the picnic rug and beach towels and relax by the pool while the kids enjoy a swim and play on the giant inflatables.

A sausage sizzle will also be available.

WHEN: 11am-4pm
WHERE: 2 Leisure Dr

COST: $5.50 and $4.50 for children aged 2-16

AUSTRALIA DAY AT TWIN TOWNS

Nothing says Australian like some good live music.

Twin Towns is celebrating the day with some great music by local musicians Enso and Rabbit.

A free sausage sizzle will also be available on the day.

WHEN: From 4pm
WHERE: 2 Wharf St
 

Coffs Harbour

The 2021 Coffs Harbour Australia Day Awards and Citizenship ceremony takes place at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden. Photo from last year’s event: Tim Jarrett

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY

Coffs Coast residents are invited to celebrate what’s great about Australia with a citizenship and award ceremony.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Arts and Cultural Award, Sport and Recreation Award, Aussie Spirit/Small Business Award and more.

WHEN: 8.30-11am
WHERE: North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Corner Coff and Hardacre Sts

AUSTRALIA DAY CRICKET MATCH

Coffs Comets are hosting a spectacular Australia Day cricket match.

Bring your partners, children, beers for the Esky and bangers for the barbecue.

WHEN: From 12pm
WHERE: Geoff King Motors Oval

AUSTRALIA DAY GATHERING

Nambucca Valley Council is holding a respectful gathering on January 26.

Events include a smoking ceremony, indigenous artists, displays, stories and more.

Live music will also be playing including The Shufflemen and The Haig Bros.

WHEN: 8.30am-2pm

WHERE: Unkya Reserve, Eungai Creek Rd

Clarence

Clarence Valley Council Australia Day award 2021 recipient at the Grafton District Services Club. Photos: Adam Hourigan

INCLUSIVE AUSTRALIA DAY

Grafton Midday Rotary are hosting a free inclusive Australia Day event.

Clarence residents are welcome to enjoy a complimentary sausage sizzle, lamington, and even try a traditional bush tucker.

Aboriginal arts and craft workshops will also be including boomerang painting and basket weaving.

WHEN: 1-5pm
WHERE: Market Square