With Christmas and New Years in the rear view mirror, people chasing the next event can look to Australia Day, where Cobar has announced Emma Rossi as their guest speaker. 

Cobar Shire Council has released the schedule for their Australia Day events, including a triathlon, ‘Great Duck Race’ and free BBQ. 

Amongst the activities the council will hold the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, where journalist, keynote speaker and women’s rights campaigner Emma Rossi will hold the floor as ambassador, tasked with sharing insights and stories about what it means to be Australian. 

Amongst her achievements, Ms Rossi is regarded for philanthropic pursuits, including cycling with her daughter across Cambodia to buy women and girls out of sex slavery. 

Ms Rossi is also known for her leadership role in improving the online safety for Australian women fleeing domestic violence, and the establishment of women and childrens' refuge Mary’s House.

While Emma Rossi may have the stage, the council is hoping it will be shared amongst valued members of the community, with their Australia Day award nominations open. 

Locals can be nominated for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Bossie Mitchell Service to the Community Award, Service to Sport, Sports Person of the Year, Kerrigundi Award, Community Event of the Year and Environmental and Sustainability Award. 

Cobar’s Australia Day Award nominations close Friday January 12. 

All Western Plains Councils to participate

While Australia Day celebrations and Citizenship Ceremonies will be held across the Western Plains, 2024 marks a shift on the tradition, with 81 councils around the country choosing not to hold celebrations for 26 January. 

The shift comes after a rule change meaning that the citizenship ceremonies don’t need to be held on Australia Day. 

Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Dan Tehan said that the rule change was part of a plan for the government to end Australia Day, however Prime Minister Albanese said he is in support of the day. 

“The Coalition believes that new citizens should have the opportunity to become Australians on our national day,” Mr Tehan said. 

While some councils have cited sensitivity to the Indigenous experience as their reasoning for the cancellation, one Queensland council said that holding a ceremony the evening before 26 January will avoid risk of heat stroke.