Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Australia Day Set To Showcase Rich Diversity Of Arts And Culture

Victor P Taffa

The Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu today announced a rich mix of music, arts, food and activities to bring the Victorian community together, with more than 60 events in Melbourne for Australia Day celebrations in 2011.

“This year Australia Day events reflect a strong sense of multiculturalism for which Victoria is renowned.” Premier Baillieu said.

“Australia Day, more than any other date in our nation’s calendar, provides the opportunity to make the most of community events, many of them free, where family and friends can experience the depth and diversity of our multicultural heritage.”

“The celebrations open our hearts and minds to our community, allowing us to learn more about the characteristics and values that make Victoria such a rich and vibrant State.”

 

“Australia Day is the time when we recognise the contribution of Victorians and Australians, and acknowledge their efforts to give back so generously to the community.”

“I encourage you to get involved in Australia Day by getting together with your family and friends to participate in some of the exciting and inspiring activities.” Premier Baillieu said.

Events this year will be staged from Wednesday 19 January to Wednesday 26 January at locations across Melbourne including Federation Square, Docklands, Kings Domain, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and the Alexandra and Treasury Gardens.

Chair of the Australia Day Committee (Victoria), Bruce Hartnett, said the Melbourne program of events is packed with something for every person, regardless of age.

“The emphasis for Australia Day is on bringing people together and the program brings a rich mix of entertainment, arts and culture, and hands on activities for families, as well as something for those who wish to sit, relax and take in the mood.” Mr. Hartnett said.

Music will again take centre stage, with world and popular music events featuring some of Victoria’s younger bands, cultural performances, a free swing band and Latin-inspired concert, and Mambo at the Bowl featuring Tito Puente Jnr joined by a number of support acts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia Day Event Highlights Include:

• BYO picnic breakfast in the Alexandra Gardens;

• Welcome to Country, official flag raising ceremony and the Governor of Victoria’s Australia Day address at Melbourne Town Hall at 10.30 am;

• The People’s March straight after the flag raising;

• The RACV Australia Day Picnic and Federation Vehicle Display;

• The Australia Day Woodchop;

• Share the Spirit Indigenous Concert in Treasury Gardens;

• The B# Big Band in the Alexandra Gardens;

• Jazz legend James Morrison in Kings Domain Gardens;

• Mambo at the Bowl;

• Voyages world music concert on Australia Day night at Federation Square, followed by fireworks above Kings Domain at 9.15 pm.

Other Events Include:

• Who are we, Australia? – a panel discussion at BMW Edge on Wednesday 19 January, featuring Waleed Aly, Jane Clifton, Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Alistair McCooke and Alice Pung with Beverley O’Connor as the moderator;

• The Australia Day Eve Comedy Debate on Tuesday 25 January at Waterfront City;

• Know your Product – a showcase of young music talent on the Waterfront City Stage, Piazza, Docklands from Saturday 22 January through Wednesday 26 January;

• The Australia Project an exhibition of thought provoking graphic expressions of Australian life, on view in the Atrium, Federation Square from 16 to 30 January.