Celebrations began with a free breakfast at East End Oval that was follwed by the awards ceremony in a packed East Cessnock Bowling Club auditorium.

The city’s Australia Day Ambassador was celebrity chef Janelle Bloom, well known for her role with Ready Steady Cook, her work with Ronald McDonald House at Randwick and also a member of the audition team for Masterchef and Junior Masterchef.

Janelle spoke about the transformation of the city once known for its coal mines to a vibrant tourist area great food and wine and a wonderful community spirit. She said let 2012 be a time when Australians make more time for their family and friends.

"This year, again, the auditorium was packed to capacity which shows me just how important our national day is to our local community," asid Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Alison Davey said.

"Each year there is a real buzz and a fabulous atmosphere and it is always a really enjoyable celebration.”

One of the features of the official celebration was the Naturalisation Ceremony, when seven new citizens, heralding from the United Kingdom, England, the U.S., Indonesia and New Zealand, were naturalised and welcomed to Cessnock City.

Cessnock's first born baby of 2012 was also welcomed to the City. Connie May O'Neill was born on January 1 at 3.52am.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Australia Day Awards with congratulations going to the many deserving winners who have given their time freely for the benefit of the Cessnock Local Government Area and continue to inspire the local community with their commitment and dedication to the city.

The major award for Citizen of the year went to Herbert Leslie (Les) Elvin for his dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution over the years in helping to bridge the gap between our present society and our original landowners through the medium of art.

Mr. Elvin said it as about 50 years ago that he decided to follow his Aboriginal heritage that led to his now famous involvement in art and a long teaching background.