Wollongong Harbour is set to come alive on Wednesday, 26 January and Wollongong City Council and Integral Energy invite you to enjoy the family-friendly and alcohol-free Australia Day 2011 celebration.
 
Be active this Australia Day by participating in the annual Illawarra Aquathon, starting at 8am. Contestants can choose between the ‘Short Aqua’ or the ‘Long Aqua’ in a race around Belmore Basin and foreshore. There is even the ‘Kidz Aquathon’ for under 12s so the whole family can join in the fun.

Try running on water with the new Oz Ball, a huge PVC bubble in Belmore Basin that you can jump inside and have a laugh. Sculpt a sand castle or throw a thong with Wave FM, and become this year’s thong throwing champion.

The Children’s Stage is back with exciting characters such as a visit from Ginger Megs, Ronald McDonald and friends. Test your dance moves with Zumba or watch the talented performers of Circus Monoxide.

Buskers Corner is back again with plenty of live, local musicians performing throughout the day. There is a wide variety of music to keep everyone entertained.

The night will finish with the family-friendly Integral Energy Fireworks spectacular at 9pm.

Council’s Event Coordinator, Lee Cramer said there is a range of activities on offer at this year’s Australia Day Event, from markets and rides, to the Wollongong Yacht Club’s sailing regatta.

“Council’s Australia Day 2011 celebration will be our best to date, I would like to thank our sponsors and welcome our Ambassador Dr Alvin Quah,” Ms Cramer said.

“As well as the traditional Citizenship Ceremony and fireworks display, there will be the Gun Battery March along Cliff Road, a re-enactment from the 1880s and finish with the firing of the canons along our newly refurbished Blue Mile.”

“I hope to see you all enjoying this Australia Day at Wollongong Harbour and our new Blue Mile and foreshore,” added Ms Cramer.

Council are looking for volunteers to help assist on Australia Day and join in the fun. For more information about volunteering and the Australia Day event, collect a brochure at Council’s Administration Building, central and branch libraries or visit Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

We would like to thank our sponsors:

Integral Energy
McDonald’s Illawarra
Kells the Lawyers, Gujarat NRE, D & D Traffic Management
BlueScope Steel, Horizon Credit Union
Woolworths, SES, Australia Day Committee