COVID-19 has necessitated some changes to Ararat Rural City Council's usual Australia Day proceedings, but there are still various events for people to enjoy.
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At 9am on Tuesday, January 26, the Ararat Band will perform at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre, with the Lions Club of Ararat providing a complimentary breakfast to attendees.
The ceremony proper will then begin at 10am.
Ararat Rural City Council mayor Jo Armstrong will give a welcome speech. Council's chief executive officer Dr Tim Harrison will then introduce the Australia Day ambassador, who will be announced next week.
Ms Armstrong and Dr Harrison will then begin the presentations, with awards for Young Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and the Resilience Award.
The ceremony is expected to conclude at about 11am.
It will also be streamed into halls at Moyston and Lake Bolac, with light refreshments at each location.
The pool party celebrations will be restricted due to COVID-19.
However, parents can register their children for a free water safety session about swimming safely in waterways.
These sessions will be held from 2pm-3:30pm and from 4pm-5:30pm at Ararat Olympic Outdoor Pool, and from 11am-12:30pm at Lake Bolac Peter O'Rorke Memorial Swimming Pool.
Each session will be limited to 40 attendees.
Willaura will also host its own pool party, which will begin at about 1pm. It will also include a free sausage sizzle.
People planning to attend either the Australia Day Ceremony or the water safety sessions are required to register beforehand.
Registrations can be made by heading to https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/australia-day-celebrations-2021