Hundreds flocked to the city’s central park waving miniature national flags in a show of pride as residents of Wangaratta and Australians.

It was the first time at the celebration for young Ariah Ryan, 2, who went to support her grandfather Neil Higgins who was singing at the event.

Ariah’s grandmother Leonie Williams said she had enjoyed the morning dancing to the sound of her grandfather’s voice while dressed in green and gold.

“Australia Day means a lot to our family, we not only celebrate it for the Europeans but for the aborigines too, it means a lot,” she said.

Wangaratta Council’s chief executive Brendan McGrath said the crowd was one of the biggest in recent years.

“It’s been a fantastic morning, we had beautiful weather, a great turnout of several hundred people and everyone is showing terrific Australian spirit, it’s great,” Mr McGrath said.

“I think people are very proud of Australia, of Wangaratta as their home town and they have come to support family friends who have been nominated for awards.

“It’s overwhelming really what some of these people have achieved even at very young ages, so it’s terrific to be able to acknowledge that in some way.”

Wangaratta had 15 events across the shire from early in the morning through until the evening.

Photos

Albury

Greater Hume

Howlong

Kiewa/Tangambalanga

Wodonga

Wangaratta