Swan Hill Rural City Council's Australia Day celebrations will look a bit different this year, due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
Mayor Bill Moar said that outdoor gatherings are currently being limited to 100 people meaning that Swan Hill's Australia Day breakfast would not be going ahead.
"Unfortunately, the Australia Day breakfast has been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in place at this time, including limitations on the number of people at events," Cr Moar said.
"There will still be an Australia Day celebration, but on a smaller scale," he said.
Cr Moar said a flag-raising event will be held at the Council offices in Splatt Street, which will be followed by a performance of the National Anthem.
"There will also be an announcement regarding winners of the Australia Day awards which comprise of Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year.
"A citizenship ceremony will also be held following the Australia Day event," he added.
Cr Moar said the current restrictions on gatherings meant that the event could not be open to the public.
"The celebration will be live streamed via Council's Facebook page - so our community will still be able to join in the celebrations virtually.
"We are also encouraging our community to hold their own Australia Day get together - in line with current restrictions relating to gatherings.
"This could be at your home, a picnic at a park or along the river, or at another favourite spot.
"Australia Day flags will be handed out on Friday, 22 January at the Community Tree, free of charge, so our community can get into the spirit on Australia Day and have them for their celebrations," Cr Moar said.
Community members are encouraged to take a photo of their Australia Day celebrations and post it to their social media using the hashtags #loveswanhill and #australiaday!
The live stream of the Swan Hill Australia Day celebrations will start from 8am and will be available via www.facebook.com/SwanHillCouncil/
