True blue joy of life deserves a thankyou

IN between the barbecues, fireworks and ferry races, Aussies are being asked to give thanks this Australia Day.

IN between the barbecues, fireworks and ferry races, Aussies are being asked to give thanks this Australia Day.

The Thank You Australia campaign encourages people to celebrate the wonders of the lucky country - and celebrities have jumped at the chance to show their gratitude.

Olympian Geoff Huegill has thanked Australia for having the "best landscape to exercise in".

Ita Buttrose has expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that have "allowed me to become the woman I am", while MasterChef Hayden Quinn thanked Australia for "allowing me to sit on a beach with no worries in the world".

Australia Day ambassador Kate Ritchie gave thanks for "letting me chose who I want to be" and said the tributes would remain online long after January 26.

"On Australia Day we think about these things but it's nice to be thinking about it all year round," she said.

A photo booth will be set up in Hyde Park on Australia Day for people to make their own thankyou messages, while the messages posted at aussievault .com.au this month will be included in a video.

Hyde Park will be bursting with activities on January 26 when the space will be turned into a Summer Playground, complete with activities for children, a concert by the new Wiggles and a "rejuvenation zone" for parents.

The usual Australia Day events are on again - the Ferrython race, the Great Australian Swim at Farm Cove, fireworks at Darling Harbour, and more than 600 vehicles along Macquarie St for the CARnival motor show.

Jessica Mauboy will perform on a floating stage at Athol Bay and Blues Point Reserve, while The Rocks will host a Festival of the Voice, with Ash Grunwald and Gurrumul headlining spectacular free outdoor performances.