Maitland’s Aussie-themed thong throwing competition will be a highlight of the city’s Australia Day celebrations at Maitland Park on Monday.
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Thousands of residents are expected to turn out for the event, sponsored by The Mutual, which features a day filled with free activities.
It starts with a free breakfast at Maitland Park at 7.30am followed by a day of entertainment, amusements rides, children’s activities and free entry to Maitland pool from 9am until 3pm.
There will be a special visit from Oakvale Farm animal nursery, miniature pony rides, trackless train rides, face painting, bungee run, zorb balls and adrenalin rush.
Thong throwing registrations will be taken from 11am until noon when the competition gets under way at Maitland pool.
There are three age divisions to enter, male and female 12 years and under, 16 years and under, and 17 years-plus.
“Australia Day in Maitland is a day I look forward to each year and it’s one of this city’s most enjoyable events,” mayor Peter Blackmore said.
“I am fortunate to get the opportunity to join the rest of Maitland in celebrating our national day”.
Australia Day ambassador Barry Maitland will perform official duties from 10am and 14 new citizens will pledge their commitment to Australia during an official ceremony.
“The citizenship ceremony is a special part of the program and the final step these people will take in becoming an Australian citizen,” Cr Blackmore said.
“It also provides an opportunity to welcome these new citizens as members of the Maitland and Australian community.”
Maitland’s Citizen of the Year award winners will be announced, in recognition of the outstanding achievements and contributions of local residents to their communities.
“We received a strong field of 28 nominations across three categories – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year,” Cr Blackmore said.
Maitland City Pipes and Drums, Maitland City Brass Band and Maitland City Choir will perform.
Jack Black will sing the National Anthem, followed by Middle Sea and the Dave Wells Band on the main stage after the formalities.
Free activities
9am-3pm - Free entry to Maitland Aquatic Centre
7.30am-9.30am - Free barbecue breakfast
9.30am-3pm - Free face painting
9.30am-2pm - Free Oakvale Farm animal nursery
9.30am-3pm - Free miniature pony rides
10am-3pm - Free trackless train rides
9.30am-3pm - Scouts, novelty races
11am-noon - Registration for thong throwing competition
Noon - Competition starts at Maitland pool with six categories
9am-3pm - Free amusements including zorb balls, adrenalin rush, bungee run
10am-noon - Official Australia Day ceremony including citizenship ceremony and citizen of the year awards on the main stage
12.15pm-3pm - Musical entertainment
For more information visit maitlandevents.com.au
Maitland’s Citizen of The Year will be named during the city’s official Australia Day ceremony at Maitland Park from 10am this Monday.
The nominees for Maitland Citizen of the Year in each category are listed below.
Citizen of the Year:
Helen Stuckings, Glenn Yarnald, Molly-Maree Gover, Yvette Cavanagh, Rhiannon Varley, Gail Canning, Rex Woolbank, Jean Wilson, Geoffrey and Judith Hicks, John Thomas, Peter West, Robert Parsons, Cathleen Carmody.
Young Citizen of the Year:
Brodie Smith, Brittany Jones, Brooke Sweetman, Daniel Gibson, Jhon Barrious, Josef Pemberton, Kiarra Tilden, Natasha O’Neill, Jac Gardiner, Declan Payne, Caprice Skinner, Rizina Yadav, Ailis Macpherson.
Junior Citizen of the Year:
Cassandra Fayers.
