Cheer on the Aussie spirit

GREATER Dandenong residents are encouraged get into the Aussie spirit with a number of Australia Day celebrations around the municipality next week.
On Australia Day, Thursday 26 January, events will be held in Keysborough, Dandenong and Noble Park.
Events include the following:
* Australia Day Concert in the Park, Dandenong Park, corner of Pultney and Foster streets, Dandenong, between 11am and 3pm.
The free family-friendly event in Dandenong Park is expected to draw a big crowd with entertaining activities all day.
The public is encouragedto have a picnic and participatein activities and watch the concert.
Highlights include the traditional Australia Day flag-raising ceremony, children’s activities, children’s performances on a separate kids stage, roving performers, art displays and food and market stalls.
The main stage will feature entertainment by the City of Greater Dandenong Band, Sol Nation Big Band, Heidi Hoops and Bananas in Pyjamas.
* Australia Day in Noble Park, Noble Park RSL, 1128 Heatherton Road, Noble Park, from 11.30am to 5.30pm.
A family-friendly event featuring a classic Aussie barbecue lunch, country music band The Dalton Gang and face painting for the kids.
* Australia Day Cup – Sri Lanka v. Greece, Shepley Oval, Pultney Street, Dandenong, from 9am to 5pm.
Sri Lanka and Greece will battle it out in a Twenty20 match for the inaugural Australia Day Cup. Other acitivities include a six-a-side cricket tournament, children’s entertainment and food stalls. Entry is a gold coin donation.
* Australia Day Breakfast, Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, between 9am and 11am.
The morning event includes a flag-raising ceremony, free sausage sizzle, children’sactivities, games and sports clinics.