Central Queensland welcomes Ambassadors and Great Australian Bites events this Australia Day

Central Queensland residents will get a taste of Australia this week, with the region combining its best food, music and activities as part of a great Australia Day events program.

An annual highlight of the program is the popular food and music event, Great Australian Bites – this year held in Rockhampton and Winton.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Australia Day was a time for Queenslanders to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia’s national day.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate our great lifestyle and to acknowledge our history,” the Premier said.

“Communities large and small are the foundation of our multicultural country, and I encourage all Queenslanders, far and wide, to come together to celebrate on our national day.

“We are all so lucky to live in Queensland, and my Government is proud to continue its work to promote our State’s wonderful diversity.”

This year, the Australia Day Ambassador Program is connecting Queensland communities with 48 proud, high-achieving Queenslanders who’ll participate in council-run events and activities across the state.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke was pleased to welcome ambassadors to the region.

“The Ambassador Program gives locals access to some incredibly inspiring personalities who demonstrate just how special it is to be Australian,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“I welcome all ambassadors to Central Queensland – it will truly be a highlight for communities coming together to celebrate.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the celebration was well timed, with The Great Australian Bites events taking place on January 26.

“There’s no better way to soak up the best of summer, right in our own backyard, than enjoying homegrown music talent and regional produce,” Ms Lauga said.

“We have such a diverse community here in Central Queensland, and it’s an honour to showcase all we have to offer.”

Australia Day Ambassadors attending events in Central Queensland this month include:

• Peter Davis – Blood Bikes Australia founder.
• Vanessa Fowler OAM – domestic and family violence prevention advocate.
• Gerrard Gosens OAM – Paralympian, business owner and motivational speaker.
• Olivia Hargroder – disability advocate.
• Dr Barbara Woodhouse – pioneer of maxillofacial services in rural and regional areas.

Peter Davis said being an Ambassador for Australia Day, representing Bloodbikes Australia, a group of selfless volunteers throughout Australia, was an amazing honour.

“The icing on the cake is to be an Australia Day Ambassador to Longreach, very much the home of the outback, where I’ve travelled, worked and loved, as a man and boy,” Mr Davis said. “I am so looking forward to it.”

Kershaw Gardens will be an idyllic backdrop for Rockhampton’s Great Australian Bites celebration on 26 January – the sixth year the Queensland Government has partnered with Rockhampton Regional Council to present the event. 

Pop-up stalls will be serving up tasty dishes, while home-grown country music performers take to the stage with a lively music program that is sure to keep the whole family entertained.

The kids will love the amusement rides, reptile show, circus performances, and true-blue Aussie games like Backyard Cricket, Tug-of-War and Toss the Thong.

Meanwhile, the Winton Shire Hall will play host to its own Great Australian Bites – the fourth year the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with Winton Shire Council to deliver the event.

Pop-up food vendors will deliver locally sourced tasting plates and beverages to the community. Live entertainment by local performers and a ‘Have a Go Show Segment’ are sure to delight audiences of all ages.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program and Australia Day program of events are proudly supported by the Palaszczuk Government in partnership with the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Central Queensland councils participating in the Australia Day program of events include Central Highlands Regional Council, Longreach Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council and Winton Shire Council.

For more information about Australia Day celebrations in Queensland and the Australia Day Ambassador Program, including ambassador biographies, please visit: qld.gov.au/australiaday.

ENDS