Check out all the Australia Day festivities from Lithgow, Portland and Rydal

Festivities commenced in Lithgow with the official ceremony at 10.00am in Queen Elizabeth Park.

An opening speech by Lithgow City Council mayor Ray Thomspon, a Welcome to Country by Mingaan’s Aunty Helen Riley and a speech by Australia Day ambassador Scott McGregor and the address of seven new Australian citizens kicked the crowds into celebrations.

A free barbecue was provided by Lithgow Lions Club and live entertainment by Lithgow Highland Pipe Band and Lithgow City Band.

Celebrations were followed by Portland’s official ceremony in Wolgan Street at 12.00pm where awards were handed out for citizens of the year and sporting achievements.

Wallerawang Bowling Club also joined in with celebrations with an official ceremony at 1.30pm and plenty of activities for the family, including wood chopping, jumping castles and live entertainment.

Lithgow’s JM Robson Aquatic Centre also had free entry from 8am-4pm with crowds flooding the pool to dunk a mate, have a go on the water slide and keep cool.

Rydal followed with its annual billy kart races near the Rydal Showground around 3.00pm.

From wheelie bins to lawnmowers, there were some creative karts on show.

There was also yabby races and a thong tossing competition, with people showing their true Aussie spirit.

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