Australia Day in Cobar this year has a water theme, with a jam packed day being held at the Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool, starting at 8am with free entry.

The official part of the day for the massive 52 nominees nominated for the Australia Day Awards and Naturalisation Ceremony is at 11.30am. 

There are eight Australia Day Awards overall: the Bossie Mitchell Service to the Community (significant contribution as a volunteer), Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year, the Kerrigundi Award (24 & under for sport representation at a district level)Services to Sport, Sports Person of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year. 

With nominations for the Australia Day Awards on Thursday 12 January, the judges have had only two weeks to make some very tough decisions, and winner won't find out until tomorrow, Thursday 26 January. 

ABOVE: The massive 52 nominees for Cobar's Australia Day Awards 

[Image: Supplied] 

If you are over the age of ten and feeling energetic you are welcome to the enter the Cobar Athletics & Triathlon Squad (CATS) Triathlon, with registration at 7.30 am for a short course race starting at 8 am. The CATS Australia Day Triathlon consists of: 6 laps – 300 metres, 10km bike ride, and a 2km run, with the presentation ceremony happening straight after the race. 

The next event is the Yabbies House Business House Relay, with registration starting at 9.45am and the relay at 10am.

The relay is for teams of 4 for 4 X 50 m relay. As the Cobar Yabbies are sponsoring the relay, it is a handicapped events, with the team swimming to the closet time being declared the winner. As John Carswell, the Cobar Yabbies President told the Western Plains App in November last year, "This is more inclusive, as it means everyone can swim and everyone is competitive".  

The prize on offer is 100 Cobar Quids, which have been in operation since 2003. Designed by the Cobar Business Association to promote shopping locally and can be redeemed for goods and services in participating businesses in Cobar. 

Just before the official awards ceremony is the Cobar Youth Council's "Great Duck Race" at 11am.

Ducks are limited to 200 and are currently on sale at the Great Cobar Museum until sold out. First duck to swim the length of the pool wins $500 for the person who has that number! All other proceeds from "The Great Duck Race" go towards the Youth Council and help them put on events throughout the year. 

After the official ceremonies are over, the Cobar Rotary Club will be providing a free Australia Day BBQ at 12pm.

There are also free water slides, snow cones, and a jumping castle on the day.  

There will be inflatables in the main pool, with a "It's a Knockout – Cobar Style" happening from 1,30pm-3pm. Teams of 4 can register with the Cobar Swimming Club on Facebook or on the day, with costumes encouraged and awards given for first place and best dressed. 

ABOVE: The 2023 Cobar Australia Day Ambassador is Bronte Hendricks [Image: Supplied] 

A stellar ambassador

The 2023 Cobar Australia Day Ambassador is Bronte Hendricks, owner of Stellar Experiences and Disability worker.   

"I was lucky that from a young age I knew I wanted to work within the disability sector," Bronte told the Western Plains App.

"I had a passion for ensuring that all young people regardless of their disabilities were included. I followed my passion into studying, which led me to working in an array of disability services. Which led me to becoming the co-founder of Stellar Experiences.

"We now support over 500 young adults with disabilities to access their communities, try new experiences and live a life just like anyone else". 

Bronte Hendricks also encouraged other young people to reach for their dreams and said "My message to any other young people would be... If you have the opportunity to pursue a passion then do it!

"You will never regret trying new things, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone or following your heart. You never know, you could have the opportunity to have a big impact on your community or the lives of others. Always say yes to anything that comes your way". 

Bronte and her Stellar Experiences colleague Claire are both coming to Cobar and told the Western Plains App that they "are so excited about their visit to Cobar! They both have never been before and are very much looking forward to celebrating Australia Day in the beautiful Cobar".  

Say g'day to Bronte during the Cobar Australia Day Events.