Part of the reason is this year’s special guest, retired Australian army general Peter Cosgrove.

People are welcome to gather at the Civic Centre courtyard from 8am and can enjoy the ambience created by the Singleton Town Band who play to 9am.

A breakfast will also be held at around the same time by the Singleton Rotary Club.

The ceremony officially starts at 9:30am with the army providing a guard of honour.

This year’s function starts off with a special ceremony to commemorate the defence personnel who risked their lives to save people stranded by the 1955 floods with the men and their families attending the day.

The announcement of the young achiever of 2011 and then citizen of the year will be announced by the 2010 citizen of the year Marcus Kirkwood.

A morning tea will provided by the Singleton Lions Club.