By 7.30am at Tewantin Noosaville Lions Park, under a blue sky and beside the Noosa River at high tide, crowds were already staking their spot with tents, blankets and fold-up chairs.

The Australian flag was pinned everywhere; on straw hats, the sides of tents, cars and poles. Eskies, the symbol of an Australian get-together, were the centre-piece of all celebrations.

The hot and humid weather continued, but it didn’t stop a few rounds of cricket.

Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon, at Lions Park, mayor Bob Abbot presented the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards to the following people in our local area.

Economic award: Ritek Building Solutions (Cooroy) was founded as a result of a vision from Alan Emblin, who believed that the future of the building industry was in efficient and sustainable building products and systems. The company recently celebrated 25 years of building innovation on the Sunshine Coast.

Sport and recreation award: Roger Newton, of Tewantin, has made a significant contribution to the health, wellbeing and bike education of the Sunshine Coast, in particular the outdoor recreation community.

Roger promotes sustainable transport and healthy living not only through his educational programs but with all who come in contact with his business.

Roger is the man behind Bike On Australia and Noosa Bike Hire and Tours, established on the Sunshine Coast since 1996.

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/jan/27/oz-day-fires/