Australia Day is a day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge our history.

“Once again we have events planned right across the region, and I encourage everyone to come along, join family and friends and celebrate this significant day in our nation’s history" said Mayor Peta Pinson.

The celebrations kick off in Laurieton at North Brother Mountain from 7.30am with an Aussie breakfast and the official program commencing at 8.00am.

Wauchope activities will start from 8.00am with a large vintage car, truck and machinery display, Farmers Markets and FREE waterslides, jumping castle and bungee run for the kids; with the official program commencing at 11.00am.

Market stalls will launch the festivities in Port Macquarie from 8.00am with a variety of food stalls spread across the Town Green. There will be local musicians playing throughout the day starting from 10.00 am and loads of aquatic activities taking place on the Hastings River (just off Lady Nelson Wharf) from 10.30am.

A “Collectibles Showcase” will be held on Town Green East at various times throughout the day where the community are invited to book a time with an esteemed valuer for an appraisal and discussion on their local historical and interesting pieces.

At 3.00pm the official Australia Day ceremony will commence including the announcement of the 2019 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards recipients followed by a citizenship ceremony.

Members of the public are encouraged to come along, bring a hat, chair or their picnic blanket and show their support for our local Australia Day Award nominees and our newest Australian Citizens.

This year’s Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Narelle Campbell will join Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson as they attend the official Australia Day Ceremonies and events across the region.

“Australia Day celebrations offer a great opportunity to recognise those people who have gone above and beyond for our community, but also to celebrate the diverse stories of our residents, the values we share and the history we have created, and will continue to create together,” said Ms Pinson.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards nominees are:

Young Citizen of the Year

- Jennifer Cooper

- Jessica Hayes

- Rory Cooke

- Samet Portakadali

- Sophie Dowse

Senior Citizen of the Year

- Barry Ryan

- Daphne Salt

- Diana Upcroft

- Janette Hyde

- Joyce Smith

- Robert Boss-Walker

- Roger Barlow

- Sylvia Scott

Community Group of the Year

- Hastings Community 2WayFM Radio Station

- Hastings College PMQ Campus P & C Association

- Port Macquarie Community Gardens Inc - The Lost Plot

- Timeless Quilters Association

- Wauchope District Historical Society

A recipient for Citizen of the Year will be determined from nominations received in both the categories of Young Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year.

For more information about the “Collectibles Showcase” and to book a timeslot to speak to an expert, please contact Tacking Point Lions Club via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a full list of Australia Day 2019 activities and event locations visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/australiaday