LEGENDARY Australian singer Jimmy Barnes is the star of this year’s new-format “Australia Celebrates Live” on Monday, January 25.
National Australia Day Council CEO Jeremy Lasek says this year the awards and concert will be integrated into one show.
“We’ve got a big new stage, some of Australia’s greatest and hottest new performers and 32 of our most inspiring Australians all together in one big celebration,” he says.
Gates will open at 5pm.
Barnsie will interrupt his headlining regional Red Hot Summer Tour to perform in Canberra.
“This event is something special – it’s far more than a concert, it’s a national celebration and it’s a real honour to share the stage with the Australians of the Year and with Parliament House as a backdrop,” he says.
“It’s a great way to kick off Australia Day celebrations, a fantastic atmosphere and a really friendly, happy crowd of all ages – I’m really excited to be coming back to Canberra for this.”
Barnes will be joined by some of the best and freshest Australian talent including Samantha Jade, who has attracted international attention and a multiple album record deal in the US.
“The Australian of the Year Awards and Concert in Canberra is something new for me and I’m excited to be in the nation’s capital for such an important event. I’ve heard its always a terrific show, a great crowd and lots of fun,” she says.
Also on the bill is Nathaniel, whose long-awaited album “Yours” has just been released with a collection of soul, funk, R&B and pop tracks.
Cyrus Villanueva, fresh from the seventh season of “The X Factor”, will perform his single “Stone”.
PROGRAM
- 5pm-7pm, Live music performances
- 7pm-7:30pm, Roulettes display overhead
- 7:30pm-9pm, Australian of the Year Awards – including special recognition of the 2015 Australians of the Year and announcement of the 2016 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero
- 9pm-10:30pm, Live music performances
Organisers say the easiest way to get to and from the event is via public transport. ACTION will run special services. Plan your trip at action.act.gov.au
The awards will be broadcast on ABCTV, 7.30pm, Monday, January 25 and live at 7.30pm on News24.
More information on Australia Day at australiaday.org.au and Australian of the Year Awards at australianoftheyear.org.au
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