Maitland Park will become a coastal wonderland this Australia Day in keeping with the 2016 theme – Life’s a Beach.
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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.
“Australia Day is an important occasion to reflect on what makes our country such a wonderful place to live,” Maitland mayor Cr Peter Blackmore said.
“It is also a day to spend enjoying all the things we love about Australia and there will be plenty of opportunities to do exactly that at the celebrations in Maitland Park.”
On Tuesday, the festivities kick off with a free barbecue breakfast hosted by the Lions Club of East Maitland from 7.30am until 9.30am.
After the Aussie fry-up, there will be plenty of stalls and activities to keep all members of the family amused.
There will be a display of iconic beach vehicles including colourful Kombi vans.
Not for the squeamish, there will be the jelly fish eating competition and beach volley ball for those looking for a more physical kind of activity.
The Cooks Hill Lifesaving and Surf Club will also be in town to entertain crowds with a special presentation.
Maitland’s favourite event is also back this year – the annual thong throwing competition.
Children will have free entry to Maitland Pool on the day and in the park will be entertainment including an interactive live marine display, pony rides, beach games, craft workshops and face painting.
For people who want to just relax and soak up the atmosphere there will be live music performed by local acts Jesse Bourke and The Fonzies.
For more information visit www.maitlandevents.com.au
We want to see what you are doing to celebrate Australia Day. Send in your selfies to jessica.brown@fairfaxmedia.com.au or use the #AusDay2016 and #MyMaitland
Australia Day program of events
7.30am to 9.30am: Free barbecue breakfast hosted by the Lions Club of East Maitland
8am - 3pm: Classic Kombi display
9am - 3pm: Free entry to Maitland pool
9am - 3pm: Free amusements
9am - 3pm: Free interactive and educational live marine display hosted by Rangers on the Run
9am - 3pm: Free giant beach volleyball
9am - 3pm: Free face painting
9.30am - 3pm: Free miniature pony rides
9.30am - 3pm: Free beach inspired craft workshops for kids hosted by Girl Guides NSW & ACT
10am - noon: Australia Day Awards, Citizenship Ceremony and performance from the Maitland Choir and Maitland City Brass Band
10am - 2pm: Jellyfish eating competition with 234 Army Cadet Unit
11am - noon: Registration for Thong Throwing Competition (pool grounds)
Noon: Thong throwing competition starts (pool grounds)
Noon - 3pm: Live music from Jesse Bourke plus The Fonzies.
