Australia Day celebrations across Narrandera Shire were a great success, with the community coming together in true Aussie spirit despite the challenges of a summer heatwave. Festivities began with a community breakfast in Marie Bashir Park, where residents of all ages enjoyed a relaxed morning in the shade. The event was well attended, with catering generously provided by the Narrandera Lions Club, creating a welcoming space for everyone to connect and celebrate. Due to the extreme heat, the Narrandera Shire Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony was relocated to the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club. A big thank you goes to the Exies for accommodating the last-minute change. Australia Day Ambassadors Gerry Tatrai and Cassie Jess inspired the audience with powerful stories of resilience and endless possibility. Around 300 people attended the ceremony, enjoying appearances by the Leeton/Narrandera Air League, With One Voice Choir and the Yiramarang Dance Group led by Malek Afuama. Grong Grong celebrations, hosted by the Grong Grong Anglers Club at the Royal Hotel, were enjoyed by many local families. A delicious barbecue lunch and fun activities kept spirits high. Although the yabbies were unavailable due to the extreme heat, an exciting Hot Wheels race took place on the yabby course. In Barellan, over 100 people celebrated across two locations, with events moving indoors to the Barellan & District War Memorial Club and families cooling off with free entry to the Barellan Pool. A sincere thank you to the War Memorial Club and Barellan Pool for accommodating these last-minute changes and helping ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all. The Survival Day Family Fun Day at Koori Beach welcomed around 150 people for cultural workshops, beach sports and a refreshing barbecue enjoyed by all ages. Hosted by the Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee, the event provided a welcoming and inclusive space for the whole community to come together, celebrating unity, culture and resilience, with people of all backgrounds warmly invited to take part. Local band Sticky Fingers entertained during the afternoon Australia Day concert at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club, with some couples dancing to nearly every song while others enjoyed welcome relief from the heat in the air-conditioning. Celebrations wrapped up at the beautiful Rocky Waterholes, where locals and visitors cooled off in the afternoon with stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, provided by In-Motion Fitness. A guided sunset kayak tour allowed participants to admire the stunning nature environment, with wildlife sightings and laughter making for a memorable finale and a beautiful way to celebrate the extraordinary place that is Narrandera Shire.
