Character-filled fun will continue next year with the time-honoured tradition of Australia Day in Berrima Village continues in 2023 with a fresh approach to family-friendly celebrations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Proudly put together by the Berrima Village community and businesses, the Shire's Australia Day 2023 celebrations will be a uniquely Southern Highlands experience, made possible thanks to a new collaboration with Wingecarribee Shire Council.
"Berrima residents are grateful to the previous event organiser, Colin Gelling, for all that he's done to make Australia Day in Berrima village an occasion the whole shire looks forward to and we understand his decision to now step back after the uncertainty and challenges of recent years." Berrima Residents Association president, Eric Savage, said.
"When Council quickly stepped in to help the village community see to it that our long-standing tradition of Australia Day in Berrima would continue, they demonstrated a shared enthusiasm for making it happen."
"General Manager, Lisa Miscamble, and her team came to the table with us and the vision took shape for celebrations with a real sense of local character that promise to bring great enjoyment for the whole family." Mr Savage said.
Celebrations will include a citizenship ceremony (weather permitting), and a vibrant village market, showcasing the best of Berrima.
There will be lots of family-friendly fun and childrens' activities, tastings by local wine and whiskey producers, classic cars and more.
Locals can expect to see details of all that's happening on Council's website from the first week in December, and follow socials for regular updates.
"Out of respect for the many first responders,frontline workers, service organisations and volunteers who have come to the aid of Wingecarribee Shire residents when we've needed them the most, the decision was made to keep the community's focus on the 'Angels In Our Town' parade planned for Bowral in the weeks leading up to Australia Day," Wingecarribee Shire Council GM Lisa Miscamble said.
"However, the village does have many new attractions in store that locals of all ages are certain to love."
A local with a real heart for Berrima has been enlisted to bring the vision to life. Amanda Fry of Experience Nature Co is widely known for her community-centred and nature-focused experiential events.
"I have a real soft spot for Australia Day in Berrima," Ms Fry said.
"It was my introduction to what it means to be part of a close-knit community when I first moved to the village 26 years ago and council stepping in has given locals the opportunity to turn it into something really special." Future running of Australia Day at Berrima will be put out to tender following the 2023 event.
Council's new place liaison officer Corinne Buxton worked closely with Berrima business and residents groups throughout this year to keep the conversation going with council continuing the work to revitalise communities
"Moving forward, Council's whole approach is community-centred and focused on rebuilding relationships in the way that we're doing here with Berrima Village, so that we can refocus on rebuilding and revitalising our Shire together in ways that truly enhance the unique character of each place." Ms Miscamble said.
"Recent developments compelled us to move quickly to keep Australia Day in Berrima Village going and we're pleased to have been able to do that in collaboration with the village community."
Locals are encouraged to plan ahead and make the most of picnic grounds, the picturesque riverside, heritage walks and the many other highlights in Berrima Village on the day.
Event details can be found at exploreberrima.com.au and on Wingecarribee Shire Council's website wsc.nsw.gov.au from December 1.
