Snape, Snags And Sunshine In Shire
Gunnedah Shire is gearing up for a packed Australia Day.
Gunnedah Shire Council, local businesses and community groups have lined up plenty of family-friendly activities for Monday, including free pool entry, AussieFest, a car and bike display, and live music.
Surrounding villages are joining the fun – community barbecues, kids’ entertainment, a fishing competition and yabbie races are just some of the free events in Carroll, Piallaway, Breeza, Mullaley and Emerald Hill.
Keen locals will be up with the sun to compete in the annual triathlon from 6am, before diving in for the chance to win the Splash for Cash from 8am.
There will also be a combined church service, Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards under the gums, followed by a performance from the Shire’s 2026 Ambassador Anthony Snape.
Anthony is an internationally recognised artist and award-winning songwriter born and raised in Gunnedah. His career spans Australia, Europe, and the United States and he has performed on major world stages alongside artists including former Gunnedah musician and Grammy Award winner Tommy Emmanuel.
Beyond the stage, Anthony is a respected author, mentor and educator. He has been a songwriting leader for the CMAA Academy of Music and is the official songwriting mentor at Tommy’s Guitar Camp USA. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and community programs, he has supported and inspired thousands of artists across Australia and internationally.
Anthony will present the Shire’s Australia Day Awards and perform Big Love in a Small Town, a song that celebrates the communities that shaped him. He describes it as “a love letter to the towns [Gunnedah and Boggabri] that raised us”.
Council’s Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Rob Hooke said it was exciting to welcome Anthony back to his hometown as the 2026 Ambassador.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with Anthony and watching him perform,” Cr Hooke said.
“I encourage locals to come along to Anzac Park from 8:30am for the church service, which will be followed by the Citizenship Ceremony and awards.
“Anthony grew up in this community, so it’s fitting he will be presenting the Shire’s Australia Day Awards to our outstanding achievers and volunteers.”
Cr Hooke said there were events for all ages on Australia Day and free pool entry from 9am would be welcome in the heat.
“Council’s Australia Day Splash will start at 9am and will include a free barbecue lunch cooked up by the Rotary Club of Gunnedah West, and a DJ from 11:30am to 1:30pm,” he said.
“Other highlights are open days at The Mackellar Centre and Gunnedah Rural Museum, and a lawn balls tournament. Local pubs are also getting in on the action, hosting events leading up to Australia Day and on the day itself.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our community come together to reflect, respect and celebrate.”
Council’s Australia Day events are assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
See the full program by clicking here.
Captions:
Gunnedah Shire’s 2026 Australia Day Ambassador Anthony Snape is returning to his hometown.
The return of Australia Day Splash means free entry for residents at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.
https://gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/keep-in-touch/latest-news-media/item/2909-snape-snags-and-sunshine-in-the-shire
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