Strathfield Council will celebrate Australia Day on Monday 26 January at Strathfield Park with a free sausage sizzle, games and activities for all the family.

The day will include a range of activities designed to encourage family fun and participation including giant earthball, parachute, rhythm sticks, egg and spoon races and tug of war. Families can also enjoy a jumping castle and face painting.

The morning will start from 8.30am with a Citizenship Ceremony, followed by the presentation of Council’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards by Strathfield’s Australia Day Ambassador, Acting Police Commissioner, Catherine Burn.

Acting Commissioner Catherine Burn joined the NSW Police Force in 1984, and has held a variety of positions including Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services and Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations. She has received a number of awards including the Australian Police Medal in 2007 and the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the year in 2011.

Mayor of Strathfield, Cr Gulian Vaccari said Australia Day is a day for embracing and celebrating the cultural diversity that makes Strathfield unique.

“Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to unite as one and celebrate all that is great about our country. As a community that is home to a diverse range of cultures, it is also a day to reflect on the contribution of those cultures which makes Strathfield a special place to live,” said Cr Vaccari.

“I encourage the Strathfield community to join in the celebration, welcome new Australians and enjoy the activities on January 26.”