MEDIA RELEASE - Opportunities far and wide to mark Australia Day 2022 in Sutherland Shire

Local residents can select from numerous opportunities to mark Australia Day in the Sutherland Shire this year, with Council’s annual events program set to provide a host of activities, entertainment and experiences to encourage stronger local connections.

The Australia Day program will include pop-up concerts and roving performers, light displays in major parks, family days with live DJs at Council’s Leisure Centres and the announcement of the 2022 Australia Day Award winners and annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony in the gardens of Hazelhurst Arts Centre. The program also includes a sunset cultural ceremony at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary, Woronora where First Nations elders will share stories and cultural learnings, yarning circles and traditional dance and music performances.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said this year’s program is one not to be missed, with opportunities for all communities within Sutherland Shire to enjoy free entertainment and engaging community and cultural experiences on their doorstep.

“Traditionally, our Australia Day events are among the largest community events staged in the region and eagerly looked forward to by thousands of local residents and visitors,” Mayor Pesce said.

“As always, the health and safety of residents is at the forefront of our event planning, and this year we’re providing more intimate ways to mark the occasion with family and friends, by encouraging residents to stay local, support local businesses during this period and enjoy a host of smaller scale events available within neighbouring suburbs across the area.

“The program will showcase the talents of various local and emerging performers, feature light displays set to showcase the beauty of some of our most popular local parks, and importantly, allow our community to reflect on Australia Day and come together to mark the occasion in COVID safe ways.”

In addition to this year’s program, Council has welcomed the return of the widely popular ‘Cinema Under the Stars’, which offers family-friendly twilight screenings of movies across several Sutherland Shire locations throughout January and February. Free popcorn will be on offer upon arrival. Residents are encouraged to bring along picnic rugs and low chairs to sit back with the family and enjoy a free movie under the stars.

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