On Wednesday 26 January the Manilla and Barraba communities are encouraged to Reflect, Respect and Celebrate the Australian nation and its people – and especially the strong sense of community in times of adversity.
In Manilla, the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony and celebration will be held at Pioneer Park from 8am with breakfast provided. A damper competition will be held following formal proceedings, and prizes awarded for the best “Australia Day Themed hat” in both adult and children’s categories.
In Barraba, the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony and celebration will be held at the Barraba RSL Hall from 11am, with a sausage sizzle provided for attendees.
This year’s activities aim to unite the community and pay tribute to the Australian spirit.
Joining in the celebrations in Manilla and Barraba this year will be Australia Day Ambassador Anupam Sharma, who is known for his work as a filmmaker, speaker and author.
Tamworth Regional Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Gina Vereker, is excited to confirm that Mr Sharma will join the communities on such an important day.
“Australia Day is an opportunity for everyone living in our region to think about what it means to be Australian and is an opportunity to reconnect with each other,” she said.
“Australians share a unique, unifying and defining set of values that are based on the spirit of community, selflessness, courage and resilience. Values that are embodied by our Australia
Day Ambassador, Anupam Sharma.”
Mr Sharma is the director of unIndian starring Australian cricketer Brett Lee and internationally acclaimed actress Tannishtha Chatterjee and award-winning documentary The Run. He has also been named one of the fifty most powerful and influential Australian film professionals by Encore magazine.
Australia Day Ambassadors generously volunteer their time and share their story at hundreds of community events. Over 30 years, Ambassadors have inspired thousands of people in activities as diverse as the communities themselves, and 2022 will be no different.
Drawing inspiration from our Ambassadors, residents of the Tamworth region are encouraged to make a difference this Australia Day by supporting community businesses.
Simple efforts such as arranging restaurant/cafe bookings or buying locally made products will boost the Australia Day spirit.