The day, January 26, kicks off with a sausage sizzle breakfast and music by Singleton Town Band at 8am ahead of the Civic Ceremony in which we will witness our newest residents officially become Australians in the Citizenship Ceremony.

There will also be the announcement of Citizen of the Year and Young Achiever of the year which is always much anticipated.

Meanwhile outside, on the grassed area between the council car park and the Gym & Swim, the community celebrations will kick off at 10.30am.

Newcastle band Infusion Trio will perform on stage, there’ll be jumping castles and be prepared to get a bit wet at the pop-up beach complete with lifesaver on hand to keep a watch-out for sharks.

The huge tug-o-war contest will kick off at 12pm and last year’s champions from Glenn Innes will be making a return trip to Singleton to defend the title – but not if the Army team has anything to do with it.

Then there’s the fiercely contested thong throwing competition from 1pm in which contestants will vie for the much sort after and extremely rare golden thong trophy. Categories are for under 6 and under 16.

There will be markets throughout the site, along with face painting, kids’ entertainment and plenty of seating and shade for families to sit back and enjoy Australia Day together.

The community celebrations finish about 1.30pm, just in time for you to pop over to the pool and enjoy a dip, complete with their giant inflatables for a $2 donation entry fee.

Happy Australia Day everyone!

For more information on this year’s celebrations visit www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/australiaday