BELCONNEN Arts Centre is lashing out with a day of activities for all ages and abilities to celebrate Australia Day.

Activities begin at 11am with: Sounds of Australia led by Vivienne Whitmore of Moozik Studio. Here there will be a chance to sing and dance to Australian songs and hear the unique sounds and rhythms of the Australian bush, coast and wildlife.

From 11am Printmaking with Elisa Baniassad will give everyone a chance to make a stamp-print masterpiece, and an informal group, Singalong, will see seniors sharing melodies from the 1920s to the 1970s led by Lindsay Nesci, versatile pianist, rounds out the morning.

From 11.30 there will be  the BAC Bonzer barbie, a traditional Aussie lunch of freshly barbecued meats and vegetarian options, to live music by Carl Sampson and Co and later by The Brass Knuckle Band.  Rachael Hilton, of Hilal Dance Canberra, will present an Introduction to Hilal Arab Dance.

At noon, 1.30pm and 3pm, Nancy Tingey will give visitors a gallery tour of her exhibition of textiles and works on paper, while at noon and 2pm, puppeteers Marcus and Carolyn Goddefroy of Hunky Dory Puppets will teach everyone how to colour, cut, assemble and string a Jumping Jack string puppet.

At 1pm a second Printmaking workshop will begin then  from 2-3.30pm, everyone all ages can savour  30-minute tasters of Salsa, Reggaeton and Zumba dance styles led by  Kokoloco Latin Dance Studio. As well they will be additional sessions of the Sing-along for seniors and Hunky Dory Puppets.

Entry to Belconnen Arts Centre’s Australia Day family day is free but donations are welcome. Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen.