Richmond Valley Council is inviting residents and visitors to come together and mark Australia Day at Rappville Hall on Monday, 26 January, with celebrations starting from 9am.

The event is the official Australia Day celebration for the Richmond Valley and will bring the community together to recognise the people and values that help shape the region. A key part of the morning will be the Richmond Valley Australia Day Awards, beginning at 10am.

Twenty local nominees have been recognised across the award categories: Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year, Sportsperson and Young Sportsperson of the Year and the newly introduced Community Organisation of the Year. Together, they reflect the many ways people contribute to community life across the Valley.

The nominees are: Annie Vandervegt; Archer Craggs; Casino Youth Hub; Connor Shepherd; Crystal Gill; Frangipani Care; Helen Cowan; Isabel DeWit; Jan Danaher; Jeff Gibbs; Jocelyn Serone; Joel Beaumont; Kyden Bolt-Williams; Lachlan Coe; Malcolm Hancock; Neville Braithwaite; Phil Cornish; Tony Curtis; Ty Phelps; and Vida Stenner.

On the day, a multimedia display featuring photos and short videos will share the stories of each nominee and their involvement in the community. Following Australia Day, the exhibition will be available to view at the Casino Community and Cultural Centre for a further month.

Mayor Robert Mustow will also lead a citizenship ceremony, welcoming new Australian citizens from diverse backgrounds who will officially pledge their commitment to Australia before the awards are announced.

The celebration will include live music, children’s activities, and a range of food and market stalls, making it a relaxed and welcoming event for all ages.

The community is encouraged to attend and take part in a day that recognises local effort, community spirit, and what it means to belong in the Richmond Valley.

For more information, visit the Richmond Valley Australia Day Facebook page.