Mayor Peta Pinson encouraged everyone to show their community spirit and join in the Australia Day celebrations.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate their country and culture, and reflect on what it means to live in the best country in the world,” she said.

The Port Macquarie program of events on January 26 begins with market stalls and food stalls on the Town Green from 8am. 

There will also be displays and demonstrations.

Children’s games run from 10am to noon.

Australia Day Working Group Port Macquarie - Tacking Point Lions Club member Janice McGilchrist said there would be a good vibe on the Town Green on Australia Day attracting people to come down for hours.

The musical entertainment line-up from 10am to 3pm features The Day Trippers, Riley Paige, Kristina Joy and the Z Chords, Sing Australia Choir and Municipal Town Band.

The water-based action gets underway on the Hastings River at 10.30am with a cruise past of vessels to the Town Green and marina before continuing to McInherney Park. 

There will be a small display by Sailability Port Macquarie at McInherney Park.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams will judge the best dressed boat at Lady Nelson Wharf at 10.45am, followed by race simulations on the river in front of Town Green from 11am to 11.30am.

The public can join the Australia Day flotilla aboard the Discovery I and II with bookings available from Port Jet Cruise Adventures.

Boarding is at 9.30am for a 9.45am departure.

All ticket sales will benefit Sailability Port Macquarie.

The action will turn to the skies with an air display from 11.30am to noon, followed by Marine Rescue Port Macquarie staging a simulated rescue from noon to 12.45pm.

Aquatic program coordinator Steve Thomas said there would be heritage and tradition with the cruise past, an exciting air display and a showcase of community resources as Marine Rescue demonstrated its capabilities.

The Australia Day ceremony will take place on the Town Green from 3pm or at the Glasshouse theatre in the case of wet weather.

The ceremony includes speeches, Uncle Bill O’Brien’s welcome to country, introduction of Australia Day award recipients, citizenship ceremony and a must-see performance by the Birpai Mitjigan Dance Group.

People who have gone above and beyond in serving our community will be recognised on the evening of Thursday, January 25 during the 2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards.

“There are so many members of our community that contribute to building such a vibrant and supportive local culture who often go unnoticed for their efforts,” Cr Pinson said.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards nominees are Young Citizen of the Year nominees – Jack Wilson, Jorga Attard, Lindsay Kaul, Mitchell Paterson, Morgan Critchley, Rhiannon Simmonds.

Citizen of the Year nominees – Alistair Flower, Geoffrey Shelton, Lisa McLeod, Patrick McCann, Phillip Morton.

Senior Citizen of the Year nominees – Barry Barr, George Campbell, Gladys Gleeson, Mary Nelson, Robert Johns, Robyn Coombes.

Community Group of the Year nominees – Hastings Community Radio – 2Way FM, ACES Enviro Gang, ACES Incorporated, CSU Student Heart Project, Friends of Mrs York’s Garden, Kendall Men’s Shed, Port Macquarie Lions Club, Timeless Quilters Association, Sunrise Rotary Club, Westpac Helicopter Support Group.

The Australia Day Sub-Committee works throughout the year in preparation for our national day.

Australia Day celebrations are also planned in Wauchope and the Camden Haven.

Click here for the full list of Australia Day activities.

Meanwhile, the Town Square at northern end of Horton Street will be closed to all traffic from 6am until 5.30pm on January 26.

All vehicles are required to be removed from this area before 6am.

Any vehicles parked in the area after this time will not be accessible until after 5.30pm and could be subject to a fine.

Alcohol is prohibited in all Port Macquarie-Hastings parks, beaches and beach reserves from sunset on Thursday, January 25 until sunrise on Saturday, 27 January. 

Police officers will enforce the ban.