The Bathurst Child and Family Network’s Family Fun Day was named the 2016 Community Event of the Year from a long list of strong finalists.

Chair Annette Myers accepted the award from Australia Day working party member Peter Cosgrove. 

Ms Myers said it was the first time the event, which started in 2012, had been recognised with any kind of award.

“It was a huge surprise, hence why I didn’t have anything prepared,” she said.

“I wasn’t expecting what was a little family fun day to become what it has – it’s great that it has grown – and be named the Event of the Year.”

Bathurst Family Fun Day was created as a way to celebrate “the strength and values of families and children”, Ms Myers said, and is held every May.

“We specifically chose National Families Week [to hold it] because everyone has a family so it is something we can all relate to,” she said.

Also recognised at the awards ceremony was the Bathurst Cycling Club Track Open, which won the Bathurst as a Destination Event of the Year Award.

This award acknowledges events that strengthen the city as a tourist destination.

Club president Mark Simons accepted the award, thanking organiser Glen Carter and those who had volunteered their time and money for the event.

During his acceptance speech, he said the award was a huge surprise, but a great recognition of the role of sporting events in the city.

“We are super proud to be able to be involved in the Bathurst community and be a part of cycling in Bathurst,” he said.

“And, of course, we couldn’t have done this without the new Bathurst Bike Park and the Bathurst Velodrome, which was provided by the state government and in big part by the Bathurst council, who are huge supporters of sport.”