Several events have been scheduled for the big day, as well as the annual Gunnedah Australia Day dinner which will be held on the 25^th, with doors opening at 6:30 pm.

At that dinner, Australia Day Award recipients will be announced and attendees will hear from former Wallabies star and Gunnedah resident Tim Gavin, who is acting as this year's ambassador.

Cushans Reserve will host the much-loved Raft and Craft Race, which starts at 9am on the 26^th.

GSC Events and Engagement Office Jacinta Cipolla said there were a couple of other highlights for residents to look forward to on the day.

"One of the highlights of the Australia Day line-up will be the Citizenship Ceremony, held under the gums at Anzac Park," she said.

"This year we will welcome four new Australian citizens to our Shire.

"As part of the celebrations, council is providing free entry to the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool throughout the day and the Civic Cinema will be holding a free Australia Day movie screening of Babe at 1:30 pm."

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Community spirit and strength are also being commonly spoken about by officials, who acknowledge what a tough year it has been for those in the Shire and across the nation in general.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey stated that while he hoped people enjoyed the festivities on offer, he is mindful that it is also a day of reflection.

"This year's theme encourages us to reflect on our nation's true history of the First Nations people - the world's oldest living culture," he said.

"We also reflect on our modern history, multicultural heritage and the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians."

All events have a COVIDSafe plan in place, and attendees will be required to follow NSW Health advice.

A range of other community run events will also be on offer. Check out the full program for details.

For further information about Australia Day events, entry forms and bookings, visit www.thecivic.com.au.