About 2000 people turned out despite the heat to celebrate Australia’s 222nd birthday in true Port Pirie style.

Mayor Brenton Vanstone dedicated the day to the late Cr John Magor, “known as Mr Australia Day”.

Cr Magor was heavily involved in the event, chairing the Australia Day Celebrations Committee for 10 years.

Committee secretary Ellei Bone declared the day a success.

“This is the best one and for some reason it get bigger and better than ever every year,” she said.

“All of the activities are free, from face-painting to the animal nursery, and all our give-aways like the 300 buckets and spades are free, and this is why we do it – for the families”.

Lions Club members got behind the barbecue to cook 600 breakfasts for the hungry crowd.

President Mick Hill said the club was also at the event to

collect reading and sunglasses for Third World countries.

Meanwhile, the yearly Jim Mortlock Memorial Raft Race proved popular with a record 10 teams stepping up to the challenge of paddling a man-made craft around the course.

Other activities, including the sandcastle building competition, thong-throwing and tug-of-war, attracted enthusiastic fans. Green-and-gold face-paint could be seen among Australian flag clothes with both young and old turning out to enjoy the day.

The Citizen of the Year honour was awarded to Jenny Hughes for her service to the women’s group Soroptimist International.

The Young Citizen of the Year is Cameron Joyce for his hockey achievements.

The Event of the Year went to the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life.