The City of Greater Geelong’s Free Family Fun Day at Rippleside Park enjoyed a perfect summer’s day for its Australia Day celebrations.
Families, children and young people enjoyed free rides and other activities throughout the day, which kicked off at 11am.
The CFA and SES were in attendance with fire trucks and emergency vehicles for kids to climb in and try out the sirens, while Sergeant Sensible represented Victoria Police.
Live music and entertainment was provided on the All-Day stage, with magician Dazzling Dan and the Geelong Memorial Brass Band among the acts on display.
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan, Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken and new councillor Melissa Cadwell were also present as part of the official opening and flag-raising ceremony.
While food and refreshment vans were onsite, many families chose to bring their own picnic food, setting up beneath the shady trees on the edge of the park.
For Anthony of Corio, who had three kids in tow, Australia Day was a time to celebrate the diversity of modern Australia.
“It’s a day to all come together as one nation,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been here; we’re all one country.
“We’ve got to all live together, and today’s about celebrating that.”
While three hundred residents became new Australian citizens at ceremonies held at Geelong West Town Hall, newer Aussies were out at Rippleside enjoying the celebration.
For citizens Rojy and Anu of Mount Duneed, formerly India, Australia Day was an opportunity to get involved in the community and also meet other new Australians.
“For people who come to live in this country it’s about celebrating the culture,” Anu said.
“They can also get the chance to meet other people from different countries that have also come to live in Australia.”
Abdelrhman, who came to Geelong from Egypt four years ago and is currently working on his PhD at Deakin University, Australia Day was about celebrating a new way of life.
“We’ve just started our day here, but it looks great, we’re very glad to be here,” he said.
“For my family Australia Day means freedom. It means diversity and celebrating that together.”
