Events will take place at Raymond Terrace, Lemon Tree Passage, Nelson Bay and Karuah, including 2 Citizenship Ceremonies.

Mayor of Port Stephens Ryan Palmer invites Port Stephens locals and visitors to attend an event, celebrate Port Stephens, and recognise the important role citizenship ceremonies play in our nation’s celebrations.

“Australia Day gives Port Stephens Council an opportunity to promote and recognise active citizenship in our community – active citizenship is about people getting involved in their local communities, and displaying values such as respect, inclusion and helping others.

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian Citizenship. For 75 years, Australian citizens have been working together to build a strong, united and prosperous Australia, and that’s something we see daily across Port Stephens in all facets of our community.

“This Australia Day, we’ll be coming together as a community to celebrate at 5 events across Port Stephens.

“The Raymond Terrace Bowling Club is sponsoring the annual Big Aussie Breakfast with other events featuring RAAF fly overs, market stalls, live music, kids entertainment, and dragon boat races.

“Revellers can also cool off at Lakeside Leisure Centre’s free pool party, and be dazzled by a fireworks display at Karuah,” he added.

Mayor Palmer said the traditional Civic Ceremonies, including the Port Stephens Annual Awards and Citizenship Ceremonies will also take place as usual, with Cheryl Koenig OAM announced as the 2024 Port Stephens Australia Day Ambassador.

“We look forward to welcoming Ms Koenig to Port Stephens and hearing about her experience.

“Ms Koenig is a published author, and motivational speaker and was previously the NSW Woman of the Year. She’s been an Australia Day ambassador since 2011, and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for services to people with disabilities, their families and carers.

“I invite everyone to join the celebrations this Australia Day to recognise the remarkable achievements and contributions of our Annual Award winners and welcome Port Stephens’ newest Australian Citizens as they take the pledge in front of their family and friends,” Mayor Palmer added.

Australia Day events in Port Stephens:

• Raymond Terrace – Riverside Park from 8am to 1:30pm, and free Pool Party at Lakeside Leisure Centre from 10am to 3pm
• Tilligerry – Henderson Park Lemon Tree Passage from 8am to 12pm
• Nelson Bay – Fly Point from 9am to 3:45pm
• Karuah – Karuah RSL from 10am to midnight, with fireworks at 9pm

These events are proudly brought to you by:

• The Australia Day Council
• Port Stephens Council
• Belgravia Leisure
• Raymond Terrace Rotary Club
• Tilligerry Lions Club
• Karuah RSL
• The Nelson Bay Australia Day Committee

Supported by:

• Raymond Terrace Bowling Club (major sponsor)
• Marquis
• Port Stephens Coaches
• Veolia

For more information about Australia Day in Port Stephens, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/australia-day-2024