Austyling on Australia Day

Green and gold, Akubra hats and Aussie-themed beach towels are among the styles that "are in" this Australia Day, says Newcastle's Australia Day Ambassador and fashion stylist Donny Galella.

Galella, Guest of Honour at the Citizenship Ceremony & Awards presentation at City Hall on Thursday, encourages all to express their pride in Australia at a range of fun events planned by Council for the Honeysuckle Precinct.

"Wear some green and gold - they are definitely in on Australia Day," says the makeover expert who regularly appears on Channel Seven's The Morning Show.

"These colours symbolise Australia, so pull out anything green and gold and wear it with pride.

"Ladies may want to paint their nails green and gold, while fellas could combine an Akubra hat with a good covering of zinc cream, or people could even wear a t-shirt with a print of something such as Vegemite, Dame Edna or even a koala or kangaroo.

"It's best to keep it casual, light and fun on Australia Day."

^{Five young bands from Rosie's school of Rock will be providing entertainment at Honeysuckle on Australia Day.}

Galella will address new citizens and award-recipients at the City Hall Australia Day ceremony before a line-up of fun activities at Honeysuckle and on the harbour, including young rock bands mentored by Rosie's School of Rock.

"From live entertainment, jumping castles and aerobatic displays, face painting and the return of the Splashdown Aqua Show that starred on New Year's Eve, there's plenty of fun and entertainment planned for Australia Day," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"We are privileged to have Donny here in Newcastle as our volunteer Australia Day Ambassador and I hope everyone follows his advice and we see a sea of green and gold in and around the city.

"It's going to be a great day."

^{Donny Galella}

9am - Newcastle City Hall

More than 150 people will become new citizens and The City of Newcastle Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Group of the Year will be awarded at Newcastle City Hall in the traditional Australia Day citizenship ceremony.

10am to 3pm - Honeysuckle Precinct

On and over the harbour
Return of the popular Splashdown Aqua Show - as seen on NYE - and the Sky Aces dazzling aerobatic stunt planes

Splashdown Aqua Show times - 11:30am & 1:30pm
Sky Aces Aerobatics times - 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm

Paddle 4 Good
Paddle 4 Good HMRI fundraising community and elite paddle craft event: Form a team and join the community paddle. All craft and ages welcome, including OC1, OC2, Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Kayak and Surf Ski.

4km paddle for anyone who wants to take part plus a competitive 8km paddle at 8am for registered members of Paddle NSW, AOCRA and SLSA.

Worth Place park and car park
Rosie's School of Rock Future Rockstars concert 11 to 2.30pm, a great opportunity to see five young bands from the Newcastle Region.

Bands for the gig were selected via a video entry of their favourite Aussie Anthem and each will perform 20-minute sets that includes their Aussie Anthem.

Food and market stalls

Harbour Square
Kids play zone with free jumping castles, face painting, balloon twisting and other fun activities

Restaurant precinct
Hit 106.9 live broadcast from 10am to 1pm

The Waste Wrappers Show and other surprise performers will rove the site.