Wodonga residents have been invited to a day of formalities and fun when the city hosts Australia Day activities at Willow Park on January 26.
The event will include the presentation of the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Organisations of the Year awards.
A total of 31 people will become Australian citizens at the same ceremony.
The new citizens hail from the United States, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Philippines, Britain, India, Sri Lanka, China, Malawi, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Chair of Wodonga Council's Australia Day Committee, Cr Kev Poulton, said it was pleasing to formally welcome new citizens to the city and an honour to recognise those achievers who do so much for their community.
"We know that people such as those worthy recipients we're honouring on January 26 don't seek recognition or reward for their community service but that doesn't mean they don't deserve it, so I'm delighted that we'll be able to say 'thank you' to our citizens and community groups in 2023," he said.
The schedule is as follows:
- 7.00 - 8.00am: Free barbecue breakfast
- 7.00 - 7.55am: Wodonga Brass Band with Sing Australia Choir
- 8.00 - 8.25am: Acoustic performance by Iva Mahoni
- 8.15 - 8.30am: Guests to be seated
- 8.30 - 9.30am: Citizenship Ceremony
- 9.30 - 10.30am: Apex Wodonga to serve free Anzac biscuit
- 9.30 - 10.30am: Iva Mahoni plays music to close
Family activities will follow the formalities, with face painting for children, a petting zoo and a games station.
Everyone is invited to join the activities and celebrate with friends and family in the park.
