COMMUNITIES right around the Rural City of Wangaratta are gearing up to celebrate Australia Day next week.

With events ranging from early morning breakfasts, through to mid–morning gatherings, and evening meal celebrations, there will be 15 Australia Day gatherings around the municipality in addition to the Wangaratta event to be held in the King George Gardens from 8am to 11am on January 26.

Springhurst will start the ball rolling early, hosting its celebration over meals and drinks this Friday, January 20 from 6pm.

Murmungee has the earliest kick–off on Australia Day, scheduled for 7.30am at the hall with a cooked breakfast, and official proceedings beginning at 9am.

Tarrawingee community group will hold its breakfast from 8am at the hall, as will Boorhaman, and Everton, where the new barbecue shelter will be in use, followed by games and competitions.

Activities at Hamilton Park's Kurrajong Lane barbecue area, Peechelba Bushland Reserve and Moyhu Lions Park will begin at 8.30am.

Whorouly's barbecue breakfast celebrations are scheduled to start at 9am, while the Greta–Hansonville community will gather at its hall for a 10.30am morning tea, and Glenrowan's event will start at 11am with a sausage sizzle, tea and coffee.

In the evening, Milawa is inviting residents to bring a plate of supper to the newly–refurbished hall from 5.30pm, while from 6pm Eldorado will host a display of vintage veteran and classic vehicles, and a children's gold nugget hunt in addition to dinner.

From 6.30pm, the Carboor and Cheshunt communities will host their evening celebrations with barbecue dinner gatherings.

All events will feature the presentation of Australia Day awards to deserving local residents, with the Wangaratta event including the announcement of this year's citizen of the year, young citizen of the year, and event/project of the year.