SEVEN community breakfasts, one morning tea and a barbecue dinner will occur today as residents mark Australia Day.
Celebrations will be held at events throughout the Gannawarra Shire, as well as at Gunbower, to mark the the 130th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet.
Local community service groups will host the seven community breakfasts, beginning as early as 7am at Barham’s Riverside Park.
Two of the district’s largest celebrations will occur at Cohuna’s Garden Park and Kerang’s Atkinson Park.
Futurist and strategist, Peter Ellyard will be the special guest at Cohuna’s gathering following on from an appearance at Barham.
The Rotary Club of Kerang and Lions Club of Kerang will unite to run the town’s Australia Day event, with emergency management specialist, Tony Murphy to be the guest speaker.
Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon will speak at Quambatook’s celebrations, with accountant and business director, Don Abell to be in attendance at Murrabit’s gathering.
Two events will occur at Gunbower this morning. A breakfast will be held at Felix L’Huillier Park from 7.30am, before refugee advocate, Matthew Albert speaks at a morning tea occurring at the Gunbower Memorial Hall.
A gathering will also be held at Lalbert during the morning, with Kerang-based Love Me Love You Youth Champion, Jorja McDonald the event’s special guest.
Meanwhile, the former managing director of Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant and Eureka Skydeck, Craig Opie will attend the district’s only evening event, being held at the Leitchville Recreation Reserve.
All celebrations will feature the raising of the Australian flag and confirmation of major Australia Day award winners.
Other community awards will also be announced at each ceremony.
