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The Southern Downs’ Australia Day celebrations are set to go off with a bang this year, with a huge range of festivities planned across the region.
From citizenship and awards ceremonies to community organisation specialties and sports events, there’s a celebration for everyone this Tuesday.
Check out our list of must-see events this Australia Day:
WARWICK
AWARDS AND CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES
Warwick’s Australia Day celebrations will kick off with the annual citizenship and awards ceremony, where the northern region’s newest citizens and outstanding community members will be recognised.
WHEN: Tuesday, 9am – 11am
COST: Free entry
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Residents across the Southern Downs have been urged to remain vigilant in water management despite an encouraging rainy start to the year.
Southern Downs Regional Council has warned residents the 120L per person, per day water restrictions will remain for as long as the region is drought-declared.
An SDRC spokeswoman said several drought assistance initiatives are still available, with many to set up stalls at upcoming agricultural shows for easier access.
“As a result of consultative meetings with the agencies involved in drought support in the region, (SDRC) in collaboration with a number of local drought will host a stall at the Stanthorpe Show, the Allora Show, and the Warwick Show,” they said.
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Subscriber only YOUNG Southern Downs residents are set to benefit from additional funding to help them secure training and employment in the region. The Regional Skills Investment Strategy has been extended to June 2021, totalling close to three years since its inception in November 2018. Funded by the Queensland Government, the project is a partnership between Southern Downs Regional Council and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to identify the local skill gaps and job demands. The project targets the food, manufacturing, tourism, health, and aged care sectors. Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the extension of the strategy would bolster economic and employment opportunities across the region.
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ABOUT $43,460,000 million in funding will soon arrive to fix Southern Downs roads but Warwick safety experts believe the cash could be better spend elsewhere.
Two local roads to reap intersection upgrades would be Cunningham Hwy between Gladfield Back Rd and Goomburra Rd worth $990,000; and Amiens Rd, Thulimbah School Rd, and Tennant Rd worth $240,000.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the funding was welcome news for ratepayers as well as the “financial sustainability” of council.
It would also be a relief to regular users of the roads, he said.
“Obviously they’ve been identified by people over time for their problems and these two are the top of the list,” he said.
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THE full list of outstanding Southern Downs community members recognised in this year’s Australia Day Awards has now been revealed.
Nine residents from across the region received an award from SDRC for their contributions to community organisations, sports, cultural events, and more.
Stanthorpe resident Debbie-Ann Wilmot is the 2021 Southern Downs Citizen of the Year.
The honour is in recognition of her selfless and generous work with groups such as the Stanthorpe Cancer Support Group, Stanthorpe Zonta, Stanthorpe Agricultural Society, and more.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi congratulated all the nominees and their award winners for their achievements.