On Friday, January 26 2018, Australia will celebrate Australia Day.
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Highlanders are invited to come together at historic Berrima, where citizenship ceremonies will take place, awards will be bestowed and the Grand Parade will roll down the Old Hume Highway.
Eight residents from the United Kingdom, India and South Africa will pledge their Australian citizenship.
The official part of the day will start at the Historic Berrima Court House Museum at 9:30 am, where Mayor Ken Halstead will give an address.
This will be followed by a speech from the Australia Day ambassador, brain injury awareness advocate Cheryl Koenig, who is an author, public speaker, fundraiser and volunteer.
The Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards will then be given by mayor Ken Halstead.
“Cheryl had to deal with a very serious family tragedy and what happened afterwards is a story filled with hope, resilience and inspiration,” Councillor Halstead said.
“We’re thrilled that she has agreed to join us and we can’t wait to hear her address.”
After a performance from the Southern Highlands Concert Band, there will be tea, coffee and lamingtons on the lawn at the court house.
At midday, the colourful Grand Parade will commence, where vintage cars, historic tractors, fire engines, local bands, emergency services volunteers, and community groups will walk down the main street.
Leading the parade will be the Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Ken Halstead together with ambassador Cheryl Koenig.
All day, more than 50 market stalls are set up, offering handmade goods, food and beverages.
The Kid’s Corner will have a jumping castle, face painting, swings, slippery dips and a farmyard nursery.
There will be a free bus service transporting people to and from Berrima from Bundanoon, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Bowral.