Stanhope Village provides a free Justice of the Peace service each Wednesday, 3pm-6pm, and Saturday, 9am-noon, opposite Coles. The centre is at 2 Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens.

Thursday

Australia Day flag raising ceremony at Kellyville Rotary Park, President Road, Kellyville, at 9am. The event will include a free breakfast, music, tree planting and a jumping castle.

¦ Free activities will be held outside Castle Towers Piazza on Main Street, Castle Hill, 11.30am-2pm. They include an appearance by Towers Ted and a live children's show at 1.30pm.

¦ Blacktown Council's Australia Day celebrations at Rooty Hill will include entertainment by Justice Crew, Mike Champion, Living Chair, Seattle Sound, Comm4unity, Doc Neeson and Ross Wilson, followed by a fireworks display. Entry to the alcohol-free event is via Eastern road, Rooty Hill, 4pm-9.15pm. Details: 9839 6000, or visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

¦ Castlebrook Memorial Park will hold its annual plant a flag day in conjunction with the Castle Hill RSL. A pipe band and drummers will parade through the park as volunteers plant Australian flags to honour the fallen.

Volunteers will meet at 7am for a 7.30am start and breakfast will be provided.

¦ Australia Day entertainment, free rides and fireworks display, Balcombe Heights Estate, Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills from 4pm.

Saturday

Volunteers from the Riding for the Disabled NSW Tall Timbers centre will be at Rouse Hill Town Centre to present information for prospective volunteers, 9am to 4pm. The centre provides horse riding and associated activities for people. Volunteers do not need any prior experience with horses or people with a disability. Opportunities include assisting as horse leaders, sidewalkers, games assistants, gardening and fundraising. Details: talltimbers@rdansw.org.au.