On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.
Australia Day celebrations in the City of Ryde begin with an official gathering at the Civic Centre that includes an address by Australia Day Ambassador, Dianna Hammond. We also honour our most respected residents at the announcement of the 2009 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year. This is followed by a Citizenship Ceremony when 50 new members to the Australian family are welcomed.
Then in the afternoon, the City of Ryde’s holds its annual Australia Day Family Concert and Fireworks display at North Ryde Common.
“There are several great ways to experience what it means to be ‘a local’,” said Mayor, Clr Vic Tagg. “We look forward to seeing a great crowd at our Australia Day Concert. I especially like to see the young people there draped in our national flag. It’s a family friendly event with rides and Sportstar activities for the kids, a great line up of artists on stage, and then the spectacular fireworks.”
Everyone is invited to the free family concert and fireworks display. The Black Sorrows, the iconic blues/rock band founded by Joe Camilleri, headline a great list of acts that includes the John Field Band (ex lead singer Cockroaches) and Antoine & Bruce (ex Hooley Dooleys). Members of the Edge Ballet Academy, the band Outlier will add some local colour.
So gather your friends and family and join us in celebration.
Australia Day Program
Australia Day Ceremony
Civic Centre, Devlin Street, Ryde, 10.00am-11.30am
- Australia Day Ambassador Address
- Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Announcement
- Citizenship Ceremony
Australia Day Ambassador - Dianna Hammond
Dianna is a singer and TV personality who has performed in all capital cities at corporate events, government functions and most NSW clubs and has toured though rural and outback Australia. As an Advance Australian Ambassador, Dianna has represented Australia in more than 26 countries throughout Asia, Europe, the Pacific, Middle East and the USA as an organiser, presenter and performer.
Australia Day Family Concert & Fireworks
North Ryde Common, Cnr Twin & Wicks Roads.
Concert starts 4.45pm. Fireworks at 9.00 pm
Rides and refreshments available.
The Black Sorrows
The Black Sorrows are an iconic Australian blues/rock band founded by Joe Camilleri the group's only constant member. Founded in 1983, The Black Sorrows are best known for their top 40 Australian hits of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including "Hold On To Me", "Chained To The Wheel", "Harley and Rose" and "Snake Skin Shoes".
John Field Band
The John Field Band is a high octane, eight piece band. Rock and Roll, soul, blues, jazz and modern pop - they can and do play it all. They are bound to get you dancing, rocking and grooving. John Field has written 10 Top Forty hits and over 250 songs for the world famous "The Wiggles" including "Hot Potato".
Antoine & Bruce
Antoine & Bruce are two of the best known faces in Australian children's entertainment. As founding members of the Hooley Dooleys both Antoine and Bruce were responsible for one of the most successful children's touring acts that Australia has produced. Now they’re back doing what they love best – making children laugh.
Outlier
Local trio Outlier go from strength to strength with their songwriting/guitar playing abilities and power-house female rhythm section. They are favourites at festivals in Sydney (6 Granny Smith’s) and Melbourne. “Safe Bet” was the No 1 most requested song on international radio show “Rockin the Shed”
Edge Ballet Academy
The Edge Ballet Academy at Eastwood will put on a dazzling show of dance styles, from jazz and tap to classical and hip hop.
Media contact: Lee Kirkland, City of Ryde, T 9952 8083
