Events in the Top End and Central Australia for Australia Day
Rain, hail or shine, the Top End and Central Australia has committed to various Australia Day festivities to keep locals entertained. Read what's on.
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Rain, hail or shine, the Northern Territory’s Australia Day festivities will go ahead.
Young or old, Territorians will be catered for – here is a list of options of where to spend the public holiday.
TOP END EVENTS
Oz Run
For early birds, Australia Day starts at 6.30am when the Oz Run fun run kicks off.
At zero cost, participants will gather at the Darwin Convention Centre for a Zumba warm-up followed by an optional two and a half or five kilometre course.
Registration is required and comfortable walking shoes and clothes recommended.
Katherine Ceremony and Flyover
In Katherine, locals will be treated to a comprehensive Australia Day event at the Godinymayin Yijard River Arts and Cultural Centre.
A free event, the morning starts at 11am and includes the Citizen of the Year Awards which has three categories - Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year.
Following the awards, a citizenship ceremony will take place for Katherine’s newest Aussies.
The event will conclude at 12.30pm with a flyover by the Royal Australian Air Force.
Lyons Community Hall
A vibrant setting fuelled by an interactive DJ set, puppets and magic, the Lyons Community Hall will ensure families enjoy an exciting kick-start to Australia Day.
A free event featuring Hyper the Clown, the City of Darwin insists this will be “an activity not to be missed”.
The event will run from 10am to 2pm.
Mindil Beach Casino Pool Party
For partygoers, a splash at the Infinity Pool beckons.
A two day “green and gold” themed party at the Mindil Beach Casino resort will involve a live DJ and on the 27 January include a Triple J Hottest 100 countdown.
Tickets are priced at $30 per day and will be available at the door.
The ticket package includes a small snack, a CC and Dry and exciting giveaways.
21 Gun Salute
For those at the Esplanade, bring your ear plugs.
From 12.15pm at the Cenotaph, a 21-gun salute followed by a flyover by the Royal Australian Air Force will take place.
Australia Day Ute Run
Utes, flags, dogs and fun-lovin’ characters will assemble for Darwin’s iconic Australia Day Ute Run.
At $25 per ute, participants can join one of the biggest convoys in the country as the convoy “flags off” from Hidden Valley and parades the northern suburbs, Palmerston and rural area.
The convoy will have its after-party at the Noonamah Tavern where party goers can try their hand at the iconic thong throwing competition.
Entry is at 7am through the Hidden Valley with an event welcome at 9am.
Festival of Us
A rich cultural program and family friendly, Festival of Us will take place at Territory Netball Stadium and will be packed with entertainment and activities.
Celebrating the Top End’s multicultural community, the indoor festival will feature dance performances, live music, storytelling and cuisines.
Starting at 11am, high-profile sportswoman Tayla Harris and a series of bands will grace the main stage.
Concurrently, workshops and activities on neighbouring courts will also keep the crowd entertained.
Palmerston Australia Day Awards Ceremony
A formal setting, the City of Palmerston and Chief Minister Eva Lawler will recognise community members and groups for their contribution to the region.
From 1pm, the event will involve a series of ceremonies followed by the Territory’s newest Australians receiving their citizenship.
The ceremony will be followed by the announcement of the Citizen of the Year and Student Citizen of the Year awards.
The event concludes at 3pm.
CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
Australia Day celebrations in Alice Springs will start formally and end with a wet and wild adventure this year.
The Alice Springs Town Council is set to host its annual Citizenship Ceremony and Centralian of the Year Awards on the council lawns.
56 newly-minted Aussies will be recognised in the ceremony.
The festivities kick off at 7am, with a smoking ceremony launching the formal proceedings at 7.20am.
After honouring the region’s new residents, the council will reveal the recipients for its top honours, including the Young Centralian, Centralian Senior Citizen, Community Event, and Centralian Citizen of the Year.
The ceremonies will wrap up with a free barbecue.
The celebrations will move to the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre at 2pm for a pool party.
The free family fun day includes pool games, a live DJ, slide, barbecue, ice cream, and a movie – Surf’s Up 2.
A range of activities will also be on offer including ancient plant medicine making, wattle & date treats making, song writing and story telling session.
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Originally published as Events in the Top End and Central Australia for Australia Day
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