Australia Day in the Shire

The mode is firmly switched back onto summer holiday mode on Australia Day as Shire residents celebrate all the joy of a long weekend. While many residents will be squinting into the summer sunshine from their beach towel, or tending to the embers of their barbecues, the January 26-27 event also serves up a roster of entertainment that stretches from Cronulla to the Menai District. Here are five free Australia Day events you don't want to miss over the long weekend.

Citizenship Ceremony 

Watching our newest citizens complete their citizenship journey is a moving experience. It has taken them months, sometimes years, to finally realise their dream. 2019 is the 70th Anniversary of Citizenship in Australian. We’ve come a long way since the first handful of people accepted citizenship back in 1949 (a video clip of the first ceremony will be shared on council’s facebook page on Saturday), but the meaning and honour of such a privilege has not faded.
For more information on citizenship ceremonies in the Sutherland Shire visit council’s website.

The Greatest Showman
Peg out your picnic rug and find a puddle of shade to kick back and watch Hugh Jackman in his star turn as The Greatest Showman, a story about an entertainer desperate for critical success. The movie is a family-friendly affair and, with everything from upbeat pop anthems to mournful ballads, will please everyone from the tweens to Great Aunty Eileen. The Greatest Showman will be followed by Engadine Musical Societies, DJ Jazzy, Australian Triology, Christine Anu, Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc) and Mark Vincent. 

Mambo down to Menai
The Menai District will be working the crowds just as hard as Cronulla. Blaxland Oval in Illawong is where it's at as a diverse range of bands take to the stage between 4 pm and 9 pm. You'll get a chance to hear everything from dance to classic rock during the entertainment which includes the Endless Summer Beach Party, the Coldplay Show, DJ Jazzy and Australian Trilogy. Children will also be inspired during ANSTO's Science Shows and a range of children's activities. Forage at the food stalls and then drop and flop until the 9pm fireworks.

Shire Vibes
Cronulla will again be in the spotlight on January 27 for the Shire Vibes. With the beach and parks as the outdoor floors, the party will kick off from 4pm and wind up with the fireworks lighting up the night sky at 9pm. It's going to be a warm weekend so what better way to cool off than by dipping in and out of the sea between acts such as Alex Hurt, Evie J Willie, Tom Moxey, the Coldplay show and Endless Summer Beach Party. Don't forget to use the #AusFest2019 and #visittheshire hashtag.

Connect with your local community
This year's Australia Day 2019 event in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire, is themed around Community and Connection. The vision is for locals to introduce themselves to strangers and spend the long weekend forging community and making new connections. The Shire has, in recent years, welcomed more and more new residents from all around the world. If you find yourself with people from out of town, take them to a local bar or restaurant or just park in the green outdoor space that is near to the main stage. The chosen charity for this year's event is Rural Aid Australia, which helps farmers get the help they need. To support Rural Aid Australia, visit
ruralaid.org.au

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