THE RETURN of fireworks to Stawell is among the many highlights of this year's Australia Day festivities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Monday's celebrations will kick off with a pool party at the Stawell Leisure Complex, to be followed by the official Australia Day ceremony at Cato Park which will feature live music and a fireworks display.
Entry to the pool party, which will be held between 2pm and 5pm is free.
Patrons have been encouraged to dress up in Australian theme costumes with prizes for best dressed and plenty of games and activities.
Triple J's hottest 100 music will be playing throughout the afternoon.
The pool party will be followed by the official Australia Day ceremony at Cato Park from 5.30pm.
The official ceremony will include an address by special guest speaker - racing industry personality Tony Cavanagh, the presentation of Australia Day Awards and musical items by local talent. A barbecue and fireworks will follow.
As a boutique owner and breeder, Mr Cavanagh has met with considerable success, culminating with Let's Get Physical, a horse he bred and raced, winning the 1985 VATC.
In 1980, he established his own Bloodstock Consultancy Business, and is still widely recognised for his knowledge of pedigrees. In 1989, Mr Cavanagh and prominent Victorian breeder Ted Cockram opened up trade between Australia and Argentina with the purchase of six fillies and mares.
Mr Cavanagh's love for the racing industry is matched by another passion - music. He combined the two interests with his brainchild In North Melbourne Tonight, a unique annual gathering, concurrently showcasing the best of Australia's music and horse racing. The event celebrated its tenth anniversary in November 2012.
Mr Cavanagh also has a passionate interest in Australian art, and is an advisory board member of Menzies Art Brands, the leading art auction house in Australia.
Melbourne businessman and champion barista Anthony Cheeseman will visit St Arnaud as part of its Australia Day celebrations.
Mr Cheeseman in renowned for co-founding a social inclusion venture called MadCap Cafe which assists people with mental illness to work in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Australia Day ambassador program has been sponsored by Woolworths since 2001 and in that time has given residents the opportunity to meet inspirational Australian achievers and hear their stories.
