City of Ryde's diverse community to be celebrated this Australia Day

Published on 13 January 2023

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This January is set to be a big one for the City of Ryde, with several key events taking place in the lead up to Australia Day on 26 January, all attended by Australia Day Ambassador Kamahl Kamalesvaran AM (Kamahl). City of Ryde is encouraging community members to reflect, respect and celebrate the strength and spirit of their local communities.

On Thursday 19 January, winners of the City of Ryde Citizen of the Year Awards will be announced at an invitation-only ceremony. Citizen of the Year recognises outstanding service to the community over an extended period, with the Young Citizen of the Year Award highlighting outstanding service to the community over an extended period by a young person aged 12-25 years.

The City will also welcome in 85 new citizens at a special Australia Day citizenship ceremony at North Ryde School of Arts Hall on 26 January.

This will be followed by a family-friendly Backyard BBQ at Meadowbank Park. Running from 4.00pm-9.00pm, there will be live performances – including special appearances by the Bananas in Pyjamas as well as Hoot and Hootabelle and Matt and Jess – skateboard workshops, free craft activities, face painting and sports activities.

The first 1500 eventgoers can grab a free sausage sizzle at the barbecue run by the West Ryde Rovers Cricket Club. There will also be food trucks with tasty bites available to purchase on the night. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.00pm.

The event received grant funding by the Australia Day Council, which has provided funding to councils and community organisations to host over 400 events around the nation to reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia Day 2023.

City of Ryde Australia Day Ambassador Kamahl is an accomplished bass baritone singer who has become a household name for his interpretations of love songs and ballads on record, in concert and via his regular television appearances.

Kamahl was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994 for his philanthropic efforts. He was Australian Father of the Year in 1998 and was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal by the Queen in 2004.

City of Ryde Mayor Clr Sarkis Yedelian OAM said, “We are so privileged to welcome legendary singer Kamahl as our Australia Day Ambassador this year, and to have him along to so many Council events.”

“Kamahl is an inspiration to us all with his impressive music career and philanthropy.”

“I cannot wait to meet all our new citizens, see some of our most outstanding citizens be recognised, and to celebrate with the community at the Ryde Backyard BBQ.”