Celebrate Australia Day (source: http://www.australiaday.org.au)

But if you are looking for something a little different to do on Australia Day this year, why not head to its regional heartland? Here are three events in regional Australia that will also be raising money for local causes and charities so you can help others while having fun under the sun on Australia Day.

The Great Pomonal Ride In

Bushfires are a common and disruptive occurrence in the lives of regional Australians.  Devastated by fires in the summer of 05/06, the town of Pomonal in Victoria will raise money for a new Country Fire Authority tanker with a ride-on mower parade on Australia Day.

In an attempt to establish the World Record for the most ride-on mowers cutting grass at the same time, Australians are invited to turn up at the front of the town’s General Store at 4pm on January 26 with their mowers – or a wheelbarrow, if that’s more your speed – before heading down the road to party on at Barney’s Bar and Bistro.

For more information you can contact John Malligan on 03 53566 351 or by email at John.Malligan@justice.vic.gov.au

Rotary Cricket Challenge Cup

What could be more Australian than a cricket match on Australia Day?

In spite of the apparent strain on India-Australia relations of late, one of the highlights of Townsville’s Australia Day celebrations will be a Twenty20 cricket match between ‘Australians’ and ‘Indians’.

Former Australian cricket player Jimmy Maher will lead a side against a team from the local Indian community at 11am at Riverway Stadium. Boasting a number of other local sports stars, funds raised on the day will be donated to The Salvation Army.

For more information, contact Greg Hamblin on 0419 874 165 or by email at gmhamblin@iprimus.com.au

5th Annual Havaianas Thong Challenge

Havaianas Thong Challenge '09 (http://www.havaianasthongchallenge.com.au/)

Thongs (That’s ‘flip flops’ to the rest of the world) are more than a national icon –in the sweltering summertime, they may as well be issued as mandatory footwear.

So it’s no wonder that a mass flotilla of giant thongs will be found on beaches in five states around the country on Australia Day, including south-eastern Queensland’s Mooloolaba. Aussies can join in the fun to set a new World Record for the “the longest line of inflatable airbeds”.  (The record is currently 908, set last year in Bondi, NSW.)

In its fifth consecutive year, the event costs $25 if you register online at the website before the day.  This covers the cost of your airbed, and a $10 donation toward the local surf live saving club.

For more details on Australia Day events in your area, see http://www.australiaday.org.au/events/

What are your plans for Australia Day? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us @LiveTheDreamMag