NATIONAL pride will take over the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands next week with a variety of Australia Day celebrations in both areas. 
New Norfolk will hold its main celebrations on the Esplanade, with a fun run and walk held by Tasmanian Masters Athletics kicking things off at 10am.
Other events on the day include a variety of activities held by the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team, Tree2Sea and the New Norfolk Salvation Army as well as musical performances by both the Derwent Valley Concert Band and Community Choir and a BBQ run by the Lions Club of New Norfolk and the New Norfolk Junior Football Club.
This will be followed by a flag-raising ceremony and the national anthem at noon alongside a welcome address by 2016 Australia Day Ambassador Deborah De Williams and the 2016 Australia Day awards to be presented by   Mayor Martyn Evans.
"Australia Day is a day we can all be proud of," Councillor Evans said. "It's an opportunity to recognise contributions within the community for a long period of time but also to celebrate." The Central Highlands will hold their main Australia Day event from 10am at Tarleton Street, Hamilton, with its Australia Day awards and Tiny Towns presentations alongside a morning tea with both hot and cold food.There will also be free entry to swimming pools in both regions on Australia Day at New Norfolk, Bushy Park and   Maydena.