Australia Day seems to have been a little overlooked this year with Christmas and New Year celebrations, floods, Covid and associated school holiday festivities.
Traditionally the day has been one of over-the-top exuberance with an abundance of Aussie flags flapping up and down the beach and snags and lamb flying off the shelves.
While the real meaning of the day is not lost on most who celebrate with heartfelt pride, it is also fantastic to have a public holiday in the middle of the week to chill out after the back to work drudge.
Of course, an important part of the day is The Australian Honours and Awards which recognise outstanding service and contributions of Australians in our region.
Recipients of the awards come from all walks of life and while some are well-known, the majority are unsung heroes.
The awards being presented this year by the Gympie Regional Council are Citizen of the Year Award, Young Citizen of the Year Award, Creative Award, Sports Award and the Community Group, Event or Organisation of the Year Award.
In entertainment, most venues contacted were having a quiet one however the Rainbow Beach Sports Club will be celebrating this year with free barefoot bowls, live entertainment, free entry to the Aquatic Centre, free tennis court and equipment hire (one hour play only), prizes for best dressed and random giveaways and raffles and a BBQ lunch out on the deck.
Keep an eye on the Gympie Regional Council website for the regions Australia Day Awards event.
