And, for 24 local residents, Australia Day 2018 will hold extra meaning, as they are nominees for the Muswellbrook Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

The unsung heroes have been nominated by members of the public and are vying for awards in nine categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and achievement in culture and sport.

Their efforts will be publically recognised at the annual Australia Day ceremony, to take place this year at the Denman Indoor Sports Centre on Friday, January 26.

For eight shire residents, this year’s event will be particularly significant as they receive their Australian Citizenship. 

The ceremony will be part of the formal activities, which start at 9am following a free barbecue breakfast at 8am, at the sports centre.

The celebrations continue from noon with a free fun, family afternoon at both the Muswellbrook and Denman Aquatic Centres. 

There’ll be free entry and barbecue lunch, plenty of activities, including a jumping castle, petting zoo, thong throwing competition, face painting – and more.

The barbecue lunch will be provided by Muswellbrook Apex Club and Denman Scouts. 

Ability Links NSW is bringing along an “Including You” tent, which provides a free, safe and supportive space to support a broad cross section of people with disabilities, their families and carers. 

It contains numerous sensory tools, hearing and vision aides, manual wheelchairs, seating and noise cancelling earphones.

For more information on Australia Day, visit council’s web site www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov