Australia Day will be celebrated on the Bay Islands with nominations being called for Australia Day Bay Islander of the Year Awards.
The event has been formulated by the Sandy Beach Kayak and Sailing Club in association with Cr Mark Edwards and The Friendly Bay Islander.
Cr Edwards and The Friendly Bay Islander will sponsor the awards.
There are three categories to be recognised:
• Bay Islander of the Year
• Senior Bay Islander of the Year (60 years and over)
• Young Bay Islander of the Year (16 to 30 years)
The forms are available from The Friendly Bay Islander website thefriendlybayislander.com or www.thebayislandsgetaway.com
This award will be for those Bay Islanders best showing community spirit and involvement.
They will be presented by Cr Edwards at a major Australia Day event to be held at Sandy Beach, Russell Island, starting at 10am on Australia Day.
Cr Edwards encouraged for all the Bay Islands to get involved with the Australia Day event.
"It is being held on Russell Island at Sandy Beach, but I encourage all islanders to come on over and get involved.
"Also, please nominate worthy candidates for the awards," the councillor said.
Some great Aussie fun events are to be held, including an organised Beach Cricket Carnival, so get ready and nominate a team!
As with the first regatta to launch the Sandy Beach Sailing and Kayak Club, sailing and kayak events will be held.
The program of events on the day will be:
Sailing Regatta- start time 10-11am, bring your hobie, sabot, or whatever sail craft you may have down and join the race.
Kayak Race - start time 10am open to everyone from experienced to the beginner, bring your kayak, canoe and paddle board, be in it. The race will be to slipping sands return, however just be part of the splash.
6 aside Cricket - get your team together and register for a fun day. Six Overs Max 2 per player, Knock Out + Plate Comp. All Run Max 6 runs. Umpires Decision FINAL.
Thong Throw - you could become the Bay Islands champion thong thrower. $2 a go. held between 10 - 2pm.
The Australia Day, Bay Islander of the Year - a presentation will be made by Cr. Mark Edwards in the three categories including senior and young Bay Islander of the year to the worthy recipients.
Food and Drinks - there will be an aussie BBQ, lamb rolls and cold drinks on offer.
Club Membership - become a member of this fledgling club and support its future. $10 single $20 family.
Jetty to Sandy Beach - There will be a bus for those inter island travellers. Leaving Russell Island jetty at 9.35 am and 10.45 am.
Come along and take in the fresh air, bring a blanket, lay back and keep an eye on the activities.
This will be a great family day, have fun and join fellow Bay Islanders on Australia Day, Monday 26th January at Sandy Beach Russell Island.
Keep a look out for further information.
There will also be Australia Day celebrations on Karragarra Island, Coochiemudlo Island and North Stradbroke Island.
Other island events on Australia Day:
AUNTY ALICE CAFE: Life Australiana Music by local artists. Aussie food including stead, sausages, salad and pavlova for $20 pp. Bookings Essential.
RUSSELL RSL: Raising of the Flag ceremony 11am. Australia Day Games and Fun.
MACLEAY ISLAND
CLUB MACLEAY Australia Day Barefoot Bowls, Market Day and Watersedge Australia Day Breakfast and Lunch.
PUB PARADISE: Australia Day music and food.
LAMB ISLAND
Australia Day at the Lamb Island Recreation Club. Come and enjoy Australia's special day with some true Aussie pursuits such as thong throwing, toad races and fun for all ages. There will be a barbecue as well, with the fun starting at midday.
COOCHIEMUDLO ISLAND
Famous Australia Day markets.. The celebration will be on the Sunday, January 26. On the foreshore from 8am and will conclude at around 1.30pm.
KARRAGARRA ISLAND
Karragarra Ratepayers and Residents Association sausage sizzle on Australia Day, Monday, January 26. Sausages, cold drinks, water, tea and coffee will be available from 11:00am to 2:00pm.There will be two famous KIRRA seafood raffles and John Pole will provide some good ole Aussie music.
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