“I’d encourage all residents and visitors to take part in Cowra’s celebrations,” Cr West said.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great country.”

Cowra’s celebrations begin with the traditional breakfast and presentation of awards at the Cowra Civic Centre.

With a top of just 31 degrees forecast conditions should be pleasant.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for a free community breakfast from 8.15am at the Cowra Civic Centre before supporting our local nominees as they receive their Australia Day Awards at the Australia Day Service,” Cr West said.

“This year’s guest speaker - author, motivational speaker and widely respected disability advocate for carers and people affected by brain injury, Cheryl Koenig - is sure to inspire and will appear at both the Australia Day Service at 8.45am at the Civic Centre and the Australia Day Luncheon at the Cowra Services Club,” Cr West explained.

Other events on the day include a morning tea featuring a giant Australia Day cake at the Civic Centre from 10.30am, free entry to the Cowra Regional Art Gallery free from 11am to 3pm to see the prestigious Archibald Prize 2016 Regional Tour, as well as the annual Australia Day golf and bowls competitions.

The Cowra Aquatic Centre will be bustling with activity this year also, with free entry all day, a new giant inflatable in the water, a new rock climbing wall to try and a pool disco from 4 to 7.30pm.

The Bring Healthy Back Expo will also feature from 11am to 4pm at the Aquatic Centre where there will be free water bottles, a free sausage sizzle, a watermelon eating competition and water bomb volleyball to stay cool.

For more information on activities please contact Council’s Community Projects Officers on tel. 6340 2064 or e. communityprojects@cowra.nsw.gov.au.