Ceremonies, events and entertainment will be held in Dookie, Arcadia, Toolamba, Murchison, Tatura, Mooroopna and Shepparton.

The activities will include guest speakers, Australia Day Ambassadors, entertainment, flag raising ceremonies and the presentation of the 2022 Australia Day Awards.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe encouraged all residents to consider what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to acknowledge our history and diversity,” she said.

“We recognise that Australia Day is not a celebration for everyone in our community. The day provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge, learn and understand our country’s past and reflect on the history, traditions and culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

The following events will take place across Greater Shepparton:

Shepparton

Where: The Queen’s Gardens

When: 9.00am

Australia Day Awards will be presented to outstanding community members together with a Citizenship Ceremony where new members to Greater Shepparton will be welcomed. A light brunch will be available along with musical entertainment by the Shepparton Brass and Wind Ensemble and Fortessima.

Ambassador: Ms Sue Stanley

Sue Stanley began winning gold medals for competitive aerobics on the international stage in 1993. She was undefeated both at a national and international level for four years, amassing 35 consecutive wins for three World Championship titles, numerous international titles and nine consecutive Australian championships.

Sue has now turned her attention to encouraging Australians of all ages to take care of themselves and enjoy life to the fullest.

Dookie

Where: CWA Gardens Dookie

When: 10.00am

The Dookie CWA and the Dookie Lions Club will provide a sausage sizzle. There will be time for people to meet, mingle and enjoy the day.

Ambassador: Mr Grant Monks

Grant Monks was a finalist for the 2017 Victorian Young Australian of the Year. He is a beacon of hope for people suffering from chronic illness.

Working for Kidney Health Australia, Grant is also a mentor for multiple chronic illness peer support groups, volunteers his time to support youth offenders and is an ambassador for the Alannah & Madeleine Foundation.

His joy in living and his personal example of life achievements and community contribution motivates others to never give up.

Mooroopna

Where: Ferrari Park

When: 10.30am

There will be an address by a key note speaker and a flag raising ceremony. Mooroopna Australia Day Awards will be presented. Official proceedings will be followed by a sausage sizzle.

Ambassador: Mr Matthew Albert

Matthew Albert started his legal career working with the United Nations’ Refugee Agency as a legal protection officer in Kenya. He is also the 2005 Victorian Young Australian of the Year.

Matthew is a founder of the Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning Program. In 2008, Matthew was elected to the position of pan-Commonwealth youth caucus chairperson – the first Australian to be appointed to the role. He is also a founding trustee of the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust and board member of Wesley Institute for Innovation in Education, Liberty Victoria, the International Commission of Jurists Victoria amongst other not-for-profit organisations.

Murchison

Where: Murchison Swimming Pool

When: 8.00am breakfast, 9.00am official proceedings.

Attendees will be able to enjoy a BBQ breakfast followed by the presentation of Australia Day awards.

Tatura

Where: Tatura Italian Social Club.

When: 8.30am

A free breakfast will be held from 8.30am at the Tatura Italian Social Club. Australia Day awards will be presented and a morning tea will be held at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Toolamba

Where: Toolamba Recreation Reserve

When: 11.00am

Australia Day awards will be presented. A free BBQ will take place at the end of proceedings.

Ambassador: Professor Paul Komesaroff AM

Paul Komesaroff AM is a physician, medical researcher and philosopher at Monash University in Melbourne, where he is a professor of medicine. He is also executive director of the international NGO, Global Reconciliation and president-elect of adult medicine in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Paul is engaged in various research and action projects in reconciliation and ethics, which cover clinical practice and global health, and span a range of topics. His international work covers reconciliation and healing after conflict and social crisis, the nature and impact of foreign aid, and capacity-building in global health.

Arcadia

Where: Community Centre and Recreation Reserve

When: 8.00am

Community will put on a BBQ breakfast. There will be time for people to meet, mingle and enjoy the day.

Ambassador: Professor Paul Komesaroff AM

Paul Komesaroff AM is a physician, medical researcher and philosopher at Monash University in Melbourne, where he is a professor of medicine. He is also executive director of the international NGO, Global Reconciliation and president-elect of adult medicine in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Paul is engaged in various research and action projects in reconciliation and ethics, which cover clinical practice and global health, and span a range of topics. His international work covers reconciliation and healing after conflict and social crisis, the nature and impact of foreign aid, and capacity-building in global health.

For full profiles on the Australia Day Ambassadors visit https://www.vic.gov.au/victorias-australia-day-ambassadors