Bathurst always joins in the national celebrations, hosting a plethora of ceremonies and fun community events throughout the city.

As is the tradition for the city, the day will start at 8am at Eglinton War Memorial Hall with a barbecue breakfast.

The early-morning event will include an official ceremony, singing of the National Anthem and flag raising, car displays and novelty races and giveaways to get the kids into the spirit.

After the breakfast, people are invited to gather in Machattie Park at 9.15am for the Citizenship Ceremony.

Here, 36 Bathurst residents will be handed their citizenship certificates and given their formal welcome as Australians.

Mayor Gary Rush said it will be an important moment for them.

“It is a very significant time to take the Australian Citizenship Pledge and for those new citizens who reside in Bathurst, to take the pledge in Machattie Park, which is to be witnessed by their family, friends and other residents, is a very special occasion for every one of them,” he said.

An award ceremony will take place in the Machattie Park rotunda at 11am, recognising outstanding local people and events from 2016.

Once the formal proceedings are over, the entire community is invited to come together at Bathurst Aquatic Centre for an afternoon by the pool.

Manager Oliver Barclay said there will be events and games from 12pm to 3pm, with the inflatables in place, both indoor and outdoor pools open and the barbecue fired up.

“It is the perfect place to cool down and relax,” he said.

Cr Rush agreed that the pool lends itself well to the Australia Day celebrations.

“We’d encourage everyone to enjoy the activities we have on Australia Day, which includes Eglinton, Machattie Park and the pool, which last year proved extremely popular, and given the expected temperature, what a great way to spend Australia Day, by the pool,” he said.

People who visit the pool between 12pm and 3pm will receive free entry for the event.