When it comes to Australia Day celebrations, sharing is caring in Narromine Shire.

So much so that the Trangie Action Group is “going halves” in their Australia Day Ambassador.

Traditionally, there are two separate Australia Day Award ceremonies in Narromine Shire, one held by the Council and one by the Trangie Action Group.

This year, while Trangie secured an Ambassador, Narromine did not, but community spirit prompted a simple solution.

“Trangie scored an Ambassador and they've been kind enough to share him with us,” Narromine Shire Mayor, Ewen Jones said.

“In Narromine, we have two separate celebrations on Australia Day, one in Narromine and one in Trangie.

"I normally attend both but this year the Trangie base councillors will attend the Trangie one and I will be at Narromine.

"The Ambassador will be at both locations.”

Cyclist, Gerry Tatrai is heading to Narromine for Australia Day (but not by bike!)

Heading to Narromine Shire as Australia Day Ambassador is Gerry Tatrai, an Ultra-Marathon cyclist.

Mr Tatrai began his journey to self-discovery after a life-altering motorcycle accident, which led him to become a world-class competitive cyclist.

With numerous records, including the Fastest Australian Transcontinental Record and multiple victories in the Race Across America, Mr Tatrai turned his personal setbacks into triumphs.

Beyond his racing success, he’s dedicated to supporting visually impaired athletes through nonprofit initiatives, including the EYECYCLE program and the Sunrice Cycle for Sight Tandem Challenge.

“Australia Day is an important time to celebrate the whole community,” Mr Jones said.

“The Ambassador program is a good one, and we’re eager to welcome Gerry to the Shire.

"Unfortunately, it's become tough to find an Ambassador, and the pool of those available seems to be drying up.

Narromine Mayor, Ewen Jones, is looking forward to Australia Day celebrations.

"There are still older people in the mix, but I think maybe younger ones don’t want to get tied up in any controversy.

"In any event, it was nice of Trangie to share their Ambassador and I look forward to meeting him on the weekend."

Award excitement builds

A wide variety of nominations were received for the Shire's Australia Day Awards, according to Mr Jones.

Narromine Council's Australia Day Committee chose Narromine's winners, and the Trangie Action Group picked theirs, but recipients are all top secret - for now!

“Of course, we are under the same local government area but it's not unusual for Trangie to have a different Ambassador to us in Narromine, and they have done so for years.

"This is absolutely no issue for council, and we work well together,’ Mr Jones said.

“As soon as we found out we didn't have an Ambassador, I rang the chairperson of the Action Group, and asked if we could have a lend of theirs and there was no problem at all.”

Celebrations in Narromine Shire on January 26 are as follows -

Narromine: 7am in Dundas Park

Start your Australia Day with a sizzling BBQ breakfast and witness Narromine Australia Day Awards.

Watermelon eating competitions for kids (including big kids!)

2025 Australia Day Cake!

Trangie: 5pm at the Trangie United Services Memorial Club.

Wrap up your Australia Day in Trangie.

Enjoy a delightful light dinner (in the cool of the Club), witness the official ceremony and celebrate Trangie's 2025 Australia Day Awards, all hosted by the Trangie Action Group.

There will also be free entry to Narromine and Trangie Aquatic Centres from 11am – why not cool off after breakfast and before dinner is served!