Australia Day activities on January 26 in Warrnambool takes place in the botanic gardens from 10.30am.

Delivered by Warrnambool City Council, the event incorporates a barbecue, live music and children’s activities. 

Television weather presenter  Mike Larkan will attend in his role as an Australia Day ambassador.

Council will also recognise the city’s newest residents before announcing the winners of the Warrnambool Australia Day Awards.

Event organiser Chloe Jewell said Australia Day was a chance for the community to come together and reflect on its achievements.

“Warrnambool’s Australia Day at the gardens is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian,” Ms Jewell said.

The young and young at heart can enjoy the zorb balls that will be rolling around the gardens, as well as horse and cart rides.

In Moyne Shire, the main Australia Day celebrations will be held at the Nirranda Recreation Reserve from 11am.

The official activities include a citizenship ceremony, award presentations and an address by weather presenter and Australia Day ambassador Rob Gell.

Celebrations will be followed by a community barbecue. 

In Skipton, Corangamite Shire  hosts its main event with an address from ambassador Christine Unsworth, the former chairwoman of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The official ceremony begins  at 10am with a speech from mayor Chris O’Connor, presentation of young citizen of the year and Welcome to Country by Byron Powell, according to community relations co-ordinator Rory Neeson.

The ceremony coincides with the 175th anniversary of Skipton and after a barbecue lunch the community is set to host a range of children’s activities. 

The Southern Grampians Shire is celebrating its main Australia Day event in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens.

Between 10.30am and 12.30pm there will be flag raising, awards presentation, musical entertainment by Hamilton Brass and Hamilton Singers, a speech by mayor Albert Calvano, citizenship ceremony and Australia Day ambassador address by David Parkin OAM. 

It will be followed by a free community barbecue and musical entertainment.

An earlier start is scheduled in Portland, with Glenelg Shire hosting events at the Memorial Triangle from 8am. 

A free breakfast will be followed by a flag-raising ceremony and address from ambassador Brad Dunstan at 9am.