And there will be a Gold Logie-winning actor in town to take part in the festivities.

Activities are being planned for Eglinton Showground and Machattie Park.

No-one loves the big day of national pride more than Councillor Ian North.

For years he’s been a regular at the day’s first event – a free barbecue breakfast at Eglinton, which this year will begin at 8am.

“I just love the day,” Cr North said. 

“It typifies everything that’s good about our community. The mayor will officially start the day with the national anthem and flag raising outside the Eglinton War Memorial Hall.

“But that’s only the start of the fun. There will also be car displays, games, music and fun for the family.”

While there will be plenty of fun and games at Eglinton, the focus of Australia Day celebrations will be in the central business district at Machattie Park.

Proceedings will get underway from 10am ahead of an official ceremony at 11.30am.

Bathurst’s Australia Day ambassador this year is Gold Logie-winning Australian actor John Wood, best known for his role as Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in the Seven Network’s long-running police drama Blue Heelers.

Included in the official proceedings will be an address from Mr Wood, a citizenship ceremony, presentation of Australia Day awards, stalls, displays and a barbecue lunch.

Hundreds were at Machattie Park last year to enjoy the festivities and to see four Bathurst residents – Bruce Bolam, Colin Ferguson, Spencer Harvey and Noela Sikora – announced as recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day honours.