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Canberra Today 15°/17° | Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Get ready to celebrate ‘live’ from the lawns

THIS year’s Australian of the Year Awards will share a single stage on the lawns of Parliament House with the Australia Celebrates Live concert, headlined by Matt Corby, who will play a full-length set featuring new songs from his upcoming debut album.

The gates open at 3pm on Saturday, the night before Australia Day, and the nationally televised event kicks off at 5pm featuring an hour-long musical farewell to those who were honoured last year alongside 2013 Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose.

Matt Corby
Matt Corby

National Australia Day Council executive director Jeremy Lasek explains the send-off is a new element for 2014, which is being taken care of by accomplished independent singer-songwriter Lior, with help from Megan Washington.

“Lior’s been talking to them about a great Australian song that means something to them and he will perform it, or perhaps one of our other entertainers throughout the evening,” Lasek says. “The singer will introduce the song and tell the story of why it’s significant to the person they’re singing it for.”

Lior will be mixing the cover versions with some of his own songs, and will also include something new from his upcoming crowd-funded album, which comes out in March.

Then at 6pm, Prime Minister Tony Abbott will present the 2014 Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Local Hero awards.

The star-studded concert will continue long into the night, featuring multiple ARIA Award winner Megan Washington as well as Australian DJ Havana Brown.

Around 30,000 people have attended in previous years and with the event being held on a Saturday night this year, it’s likely to be a big one.

What: Australia Celebrates Live concert and Australian of the Year Awards.

Where: Entry is behind Old Parliament House.

When: Gates open from 3pm for a 5pm start, Saturday January 25.

More information including transport, what to bring and facilities for families and people with disabilities at australiaday.org.au

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