Whether it’s listening to live music, enjoying a BBQ in the sun or taking a hot air balloon ride, there’s plenty of ways Parramatta and Cumberland residents can celebrate Australia Day this week.
City of Parramatta Council will kick-off its Australia Day celebrations even earlier than usual, with the inaugural Balloon Glow to be held on Thursday, January 25, from 5-10pm.
Live performances by a mix of soul and blues musicians as well as children’s activities, amusement rides and workshops will be available before an illuminated hot air balloon show lights up the sky at 9pm.
On Australia Day morning, Parramatta’s much-loved Balloons and Breakfast is back, offering tethered hot air balloon rides, coffee and BBQ breakfast, more live music, cultural activities and outdoor fun and games from 6-11am.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said the events are a chance for everyone in the community to reflect and celebrate what unites them, while honouring the heritage of the Dharug and First Nations people.
“The First Nations dance, ochre face painting workshops and cultural talks are a few of the traditional activities in the morning where families can connect with culture and discover our rich history,” Esber added.
“This is a chance for everyone to come together and experience delicious food, live music and heaps of fun activities in a relaxed environment.”
For family-friendly entertainment across both events, Junkyard Beats will be roving around with drummers, breakdancers and performances.
Those looking for more action can take part in one-on-one football shoot outs or activities and games with Active Parramatta. Amusement rides will also run on both days, tickets can be purchased at the event.
The events will be held alongside City of Parramatta’s 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards and annual Citizenship Ceremony, recognising extraordinary individuals and welcoming 120 new members to the community.
Internationally recognised inventor Professor Veena Sahajwalla is Parramatta’s 2024 Australia Day Ambassador and will be attending the Citizen of the Year Awards.
Over in Cumberland, residents will be able to celebrate the day at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands, from 6-9pm. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon, featuring artists like Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo, as well as a live Bluey and Bingo interactive experience for the kids.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a range of food and drink choices, before the day culminates with a fireworks display at 8.50pm.
For more information on Parramatta’s Australia Day events, visit http://www.atparramatta.com/australia-day.
To find out more about the Holroyd Gardens event, go to http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/australia-day.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.