Few could be more excited for the upcoming Wagga Australia Day celebrations than young singers Max Schneider and Jazmin Castle.
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The 12-year-old duo separately won the Wagga Australia Day anthem competition, and will perform with the Kapooka Army Band in front of up to 3000 people at the botanic gardens next Tuesday.
Max and Jazmin recently graduated from Mater Dei Primary School and Turvey Park Public School respectively, but have already performed together in a recent musical.
The pair said they were nervous but excited to perform in front of the crowd, and had spent many hours rehearsing the new 'one and free' lyric for its Wagga debut.
"It's a bit nerve-racking, but it's exciting," Max said.
Jazmin said they were looking forward to singing with a live band.
"I think it's going to be really fun because then we get to hear it live and it's not a backing," she said.
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The pair will also sing Under Southern Skies, a song performed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
"We think it's a song that brings Australia together and it really makes sure everyone's included," she said.
A private event for the Citizen of the Year winners will be held on Monday, before a fenced event at the botanic gardens with community barbecues, a major citizenship ceremony and the entertainment provided by the nearby zoo and miniature railway.
Up to 3000 people will be able to attend, signing in with a QR code.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the Australia Day council and events team had done a "wonderful" job setting up the event in difficult circumstances.
It's going to be different this year than previous years but the invitation's still out there for everyone to attend Australia Day," he said.
"Come down to the botanic gardens and enjoy everything we have on offer."