FAMILIES, friends and proud Aussies flocked to Wagga's Botanic Gardens on Tuesday Morning to celebrate the country they call home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With gates opening about 8am, attendees were met with a range of foods from sausages to doughnuts and Vegemite-themed biscuits, as well as coffee and water to keep them hydrated.
Live music played throughout the park, with attendees setting up chairs and picnic rugs to relax and enjoy the day.
For many, Australia Day was a reminder of the freedoms they enjoy daily.
One attendee and father of three Stefan Zavaglia moved to Australia more than 10 years ago, and said he felt "blessed" to be a part of the country.
"A smile can go such a long way, and if we keep working towards a return to freedom, helping others and alleviating that burden the next generation carry, the world will be a better place," he said.
"Many people who have come here might want to go home but can't given everything going on, so to be able to join in today and feel accepted is so important."
Junee man Les Robinson also joined the celebrations, and said for him, it was all about the company.
"It's nice to be out and about for once after covid, and I always love the Australia Day events and the great breakfast," he said.
In other news:
"We go to these events every year as a family, and for a while there we didn't think it would go ahead, so it's lovely to be together and see it go ahead despite everything," she said.