JANUARY was a month for celebrating in the Port Macquarie Hastings region with Council facilitating a variety of events after successfully being awarded a grant by the National Australia Day Council.
This included the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, Splashfest and Flavours of Australia.
A council spokesperson told News Of The Area, “Port Macquarie Hastings Council is proud to be able to deliver a range of inclusive community events this year that celebrate both tradition and the cultural diversity of our region.”
The awards celebrated current residents, the ceremony welcomed new ones, while Splashfest gave free entry to the first 200 people to visit community pools in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Kendall on 26 January.
Splashfest proved very popular considering the recent heat wave.
Flavours of Australia was held at Town Beach Amphitheatre on 28 January with the opportunity for everyone at the free event to enjoy a variety of food and entertainment in family friendly surroundings.
Acclaimed junior rugby league player and First Nations performer Jikyha Dungay-Vitnell gave a moving performance on the didgeridoo.
Well known local and The Voice contestant Charlie O’Derry delighted the crowd with a guitar and vocal solo, with soulful African music by Tlarmon entertainment also a huge hit.
An injection of vibrant colour was provided by the talented ladies of the Sati Shakti Belly Dance Tribe and the gifted Havana Salsa dancers from Haven Hastings Dance School.
By Rachael THORPE
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