Originally planned for this Sunday, October 19, the event will now be held on Thursday, December 18.

Northern Grampians Shire Council's Flood Recovery Manager, Greg Little, said the decision had been made to allow as many people as possible to attend.

"We found that there are a few other things being held on that weekend that were going to make it difficult for a lot of people to get to the event," he said

"We want to give the facility the big opening it deserves and that means making it convenient for as many people as possible. We hope to see everyone there on 18 December."

The North Park athletics track has been fully replaced following the flood events of December 2011. It is now one of the best athletic facilities in Western Victoria.

Mr Little said that despite the impressive upgrade to the track thanks to the State and Commonwealth government disaster recovery funds, North Park is very much a community facility.

"It's unique that a state of the art athletics facility is available to the community for everyday use. This is a huge asset in our community and we want to make sure they make the most of it."

The official opening in December will include free barbecue, entertainment and special guests, including a visit by Santa Claus.

There will be celebrity races and athletics events, along with a jumping castle for the children.

A history of the track will be on display and a new plaque to commemorate the opening will be revealed.

Northern Grampians Shire Councillor Murray Emerson said a stakeholder planning committee had been working on an exciting range of events to commemorate the official opening in December.

"This is such an exciting occasion for Stawell as an athletic community and we're really looking forward to celebrating it with the entire community," he said.

"Council is very proud of the finished product and happy to say that the restored track is now one of the best in the state. We want everyone to get down, have a look and even have a run on the track.

For more information, contact Meg Newton on 5358 8732 or meg.newton@ngshire.vic.gov.au