THE annual Australia Day event hosted by the Mansfield Shire on January 26 provides the perfect setting for the community to come together to welcome our newest Australian citizens and celebrate the achievements of those individuals who make a difference, often without any fanfare.

Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said, “We’re pleased to again host a ceremony on Australia Day at the Botanic Park to provide an opportunity for our residents and visitors to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate what it means to be Australian."

All are welcome to share in the activities that will include a breakfast; citizenship ceremony and the announcement of the Mansfield Shire's Australia Day awards presented to worthy local recipients.

“Commencing at 8.30am with a free barbecue breakfast, this year’s event will include a speech by our Australia Day Ambassador, Mansfield Secondary College Captain Judah Kelleher, singing of the national anthem, a flag raising ceremony and of course the announcement of our Citizen Award winners,” Cr Rabie said.

“2024 marks the 75th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship and on Australia Day, we also welcome our newest citizen who hails from the Netherlands.

“As she makes her pledge to become a fair dinkum Aussie, we can all reaffirm our pledge to commit to our shared values as Australians,” he said.

Various individuals and community groups have been nominated across the shire in various categories.

Among the individuals up for a possible award is a wildlife carer, a journalist, a potter and a photographer as well as many other worthy nominees.

Nominations for Citizen of the Year are; Bernadette Franklin, Cathy Raeburn, Emma McPherson, Janene Ridley, Leonie Berry and Tracey Griffiths.

In the Senior Citizen of the Year category; Karen Pirie, Maureen Prendergast and Pam Zierk-Mahoney are the nominees.

Young Citizen of the Year nominee is Amelie Walker.

Choosing from the six nominated community events of the year is no easy task with each one being highly successful.

The MMuDs (Mansfield Musical & Dramatic Society) rock musical “The Castle2” based on the much-loved Australian movie directed by Will Twycross enjoyed a sellout season of 10 performances in October.

The production epitomised the inclusive nature of a role for everyone or anyone, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.

The inaugural Mansfield Pottery Festival in March attracted lots of creative energy and an opportunity to showcase the work of our talented local ceramists.

The bi-annual Klytie Pate Ceramics Award 2024 was a showcase of fine works entered locally and from across Australia.

The Mansfield Open Studio Trail (MOST) has become a permanent fixture on the Melbourne Cup long weekend and more creatives are coming on board each year.

The last two nominees are Horsepower in the High Country and the Battle of the Bands.

Nominations for Community Group or Organisation of the Year were received for the Delatite Drivers Car Club and the Mansfield District Hospital Auxiliary.

Last year’s winners were Cathie Smith, Citizen of the Year, Marie Sellstrom, Senior Citizen of the Year, Sam Bell, Young Citizen of the Year, Mansfield Open Studio Trail (M.O.S.T) for Community Event of the Year and High Country Quilters as the Community Group or Organisation.

The next day, Saturday January 27 promises to be a busy time in town, with the Mansfield Bush Market on the median strip in Highett St, and nearby book sales and barbecue fundraisers.

Avid car lovers can head down to the Botanic Park at the other end of town to check out the vehicles, boats and bikes on show at the Horse Power in the High Country and enjoy the family-friendly entertainment on offer.

Visitors can take advantage of the summer weather to enjoy time on the water or head to the mountains.