The requirement to adhere to NSW Government COVID-19 Public Health orders and guidelines has resulted in changes to Australia Day 2021 celebrations in Blacktown City.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; "Council has a duty of care to our residents and to the broader community of Western Sydney to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
"Acting on the advice of the NSW Government and our own safety experts, Council has decided to cancel the planned Australia Day Concert and Fireworks on 26 January, at the Blacktown International Sportspark.
"Last year, Council cancelled the Australia Day Fireworks in a mark of respect to those who had lost lives and property in the devastating bushfires. This year, we are cancelling the concert due to the current risk to public health posed by large gatherings of people.
"However, I can assure you that Australia Day will be celebrated in Blacktown City." Mayor Bleasdale said.
Blacktown City's Australia Day begins early with 'Wake Up with the Wildlife' at Featherdale Wildlife Park.
The event will be strictly controlled with a Government-endorsed COVID-safety plan in place. Numbers and activities are restricted and bookings are essential.
Details at: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/Australia-Day-Wake-Up-with-the-Wildlife-Breakfast
Blacktown City Council will hold a small, but significant Australia Day Citizenship ceremony and later will announce Blacktown City's Australia Day Awards.
Mayor Bleasdale has suggested residents should celebrate Australia Day in a very Australian way; "Why not spend time with your family in our City's wonderful parks and reserves such as Nurragingy Reserve, Plumpton Park, Blacktown Showground or Endeavour Park. Not to mention the dozens of smaller open spaces in every suburb."
Mayor Bleasdale has announced that this year's Australia Day Ambassador for Blacktown City is 22-year old Ms Amar Hadid.
"Amar is an inspirational young woman. She is the only professional Muslim woman skateboarder in Australia.
"She is a fulltime scholarship student at Sydney University studying Liberal Arts and Science and is in line to represent Australia at the Tokyo Olympics.
"Amar is also a very talented rapper, having written, directed and performed in a music video titled 'I'll ride with you', as a tribute to the victims of the Sydney siege." Mayor Bleasdale said.
Photo: Blacktown City's Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Amar Hadid.
