A range of community groups have planned Australia Day activities for residents on Thursday January 26.
The main Australia Day event, presented by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, returns to Lake Weeroona this year and runs from 10am - 3pm, with official proceedings starting at 10.30am.
The event will feature a BBQ, live entertainment, family activities, community displays and the popular Rotary art and craft market.
Smaller events are also planned for Axedale, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Golden Square, Heathcote, Huntly, Junortoun, Maiden Gully, Mia Mia and Strathfieldsaye.
"Australia Day is a time to acknowledge the growth and success of our nation and communities everywhere, and the people that contribute to making Australia a great place to live," Cr Metcalf said.
"As we gather in communities across Greater Bendigo, I encourage residents to consider what they value most about where they live and to enjoy the opportunity to be with family and friends.
"Thank you to the community groups and volunteers that have worked hard to plan local activities.
"However you choose to mark Australia Day, it is important that we do so respectfully and recognise it can be a day of loss and mourning for many First Nations people.
"With the support of Traditional Owners and First Nations people locally, I hope we can all continue to grow our understanding of what has happened in Australia's history and find ways to connect with Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung culture."
Cr Metcalf will also lead her second Australia Day citizenship ceremony, where up to 70 people will become Australian citizens.
For those looking to cool off at a local pool, there will be free entry to all indoor and outdoor pools. Please contact your local pool to confirm opening times.
Please see below a table of local Australia Day events. Event times may be subject to change:
Bendigo
Lake Weeroona
10am - 3pm
10.30am official proceedings
Axedale
Axedale Park
8am breakfast
9am official proceedings
Eaglehawk
Canterbury Park Soundshell
8.30am breakfast
9.15am official proceedings
Elmore
Railway Square
8.30am breakfast
8.45am official proceedings
Golden Square
Golden Square Pool
No official proceedings
Community activities throughout the day
www.facebook.com.au/goldensquarepoolinc
Heathcote
Barrack Recreation Reserve
10am - 2pm
No official proceedings
Huntly
Huntly Hall Garden of Remembrance
6.30pm official proceedings
7.00pm BBQ
Junortoun
Junortoun CFA
8am breakfast
9am official proceedings
Maiden Gully
Lions Club Community Playground
7am breakfast
8.30am official proceedings
Mia Mia
Mia Mia Mechanics Institute
8am event starts
8.20am official proceedings
Strathfieldsaye
Strathfieldsaye Shops carpark
8am breakfast
8.40am official proceedings
