A string of Australia Day celebrations will be held across the inner-west this Sunday.
From 10am-12.30pm, Maribyrnong’s Coulson Gardens will host an event packed with free family entertainment, including face painting, a jumping castle, sausage sizzle and a host of Melbourne’s favourite food trucks.
The Tanjil River Band will keep toes tapping with classic Aussie folk songs, while children can meet Western Bulldogs mascot Woofer.
New citizens from around the world will be welcomed at a citizenship ceremony and the 2014 civic awards will recognise the people and businesses bettering the lives of others.
Maribyrnong mayor Grant Miles says the event will allow people of all ages to enjoy themselves along the banks of the Maribyrnong River.
“It’s the people of our community who make the city of Maribyrnong such a great place to live and Australia Day is the perfect opportunity for us to all come together and celebrate all our community has to offer.”
In Yarraville’s pop-up park, a screening of The Backyard Ashes will begin about 7.45pm, following some live music and an introduction by Andrew Gilbert, one of the film’s stars. Anyone dressed in cricket whites will receive free popcorn.
Altona Village Traders Association is also hosting a sand-sculpting challenge and fireworks. Free camel rides will be on Altona Beach from noon-6pm.
Live music will be performed on a main stage in Logan Reserve, with Pier Street to have an entertainment stage and 60 stalls for the Altona Beach Market.
Meat pies will be served at the Altona Homestead Museum from 11am-5pm.
Other attractions include Aussie car displays, drum workshops and a junior triathlon. The day ends with fireworks on the beach from about 9pm.
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club will host its annual Australia Day swim. A special screening of Australian classic Red Dog will be held about 8.45pm on Friday at Williamstown’s Commonwealth Reserve.
