Celebrate Australia Day at Kershaw Gardens this Saturday!

Published on 23 January 2019

Great Australian Bites 2019

Grab a picnic blanket and the family for an afternoon celebration of all things Aussie at the Kershaw Garden’s Great Australian Bites event this Saturday, 26 January!

The free, family-friendly event will be held from 3 – 8pm and will feature pop-up food stalls, markets, a licensed bar and entertainment from local music talent Olivia Offord, Strings Attached and Louise James FX.

And it wouldn’t be a traditional Aussie event without the iconic backyard cricket, thong throwing competitions and bull riding championships!

Dominique Rizzo, one of Queensland’s leading chefs, owner of Brisbane’s Putia Pure Food Kitchen Cooking School and Pantry, and former host of Ready, Steady, Cook, will also be attending the event as our Australia Day Ambassador and will host a cooking demonstration on the day.

Rockhampton Region Acting Mayor Councillor Cherie Rutherford said there is something for every age to enjoy at the Great Australian Bites event.

“We have some wonderful free activities including horse and carriage rides, face painting, jumping castle, water balls, merry-go-round and bucking bull rides too,” Cr Rutherford said.

“There’s also a prize for the best dressed Aussie icon competition, so we are hoping to see some Australian characters getting around in costume.”

“This will be the first event that we have held at Kershaw which will run into the evening, and we all know how stunning the park is lit up, so I am really looking forward to seeing this Great Australian Bites event come together and everyone having a great time.

At 4pm, Council will present the 2019 Australia Day awards to seven locals who have been nominated for their outstanding contribution to our community.

“I also encourage residents to enjoy the other great community events held around the Region during the day. Council is proud to support every organisation that applied for funds to host events in Gracemere, Mount Morgan and Bouldercombe,” Cr Rutherford said.

The Great Australian Bites is presented by the Queensland Government in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council and the National Australia Day Council.

Gracemere Event
Cedric Archer Park
8am-11am, Free
Hosted by Gracemere Men’s Shed
Enjoy a splash in the water park and a free sausage sizzle thanks to the Gracemere Men’s Shed. Coffee van, horn blowing competition and relaxed family fun. Come along and be sure to say thanks to the Rural Fire Service by adding your name and well wishes to their new marquee – a gift from Council and the community.

Mt Morgan Event
Big Dam
9am-1pm, Free
Hosted by the Mount Morgan Rotary Club
Fun filled event with family activities including free BBQ, ice-cream, lamingtons, bread and vegemite and more. Rides, facepainting and entertainment for kids. Cool off in the dam with a swim and enjoy the event.

Bouldercombe Event
Bouldercombe Recreation Complex
From 4pm, Free
Hosted by the Bouldercombe Progress Association
A community gathering with free BBQ and soft drinks, fun and entertainment for all ages. Get involved in the classic Aussie sports of thong-throwing, tug-of-war, sack races and more.

Heritage Village Australia Day Markets
Sunday, 27 January 2019, 8am – 1.30pm
$2 entry, under 14s free.
Come and enjoy the Heritage Village Markets on the Australia Day weekend, Sunday 27 January 2019. Set in the unique atmosphere of the Heritage Village, there’s a huge variety of stalls, farm animals for the kids and rides for all ages. (Enclosed shoes must be worn on the rides)

Alton Downs
Alton Downs Polo Cross and Sports Club
From 2pm, Free
Slip and Slide Kickball team events, novelty games and races, hobby metal detecting display and great entertainment.