Georges River Council’s Australia Day program is a month-long series of events and activities that celebrate our community’s culture, diversity, and history.
The program invites everyone to reflect, connect, and celebrate together. It includes family-friendly entertainment, cultural performances, and opportunities to learn about and recognise our Indigenous heritage.
These events focus on the values that bring us together as a community.
Australia Day Awards 2026
The Georges River Australia Day Awards are an annual awards campaign that aims to honour people who have contributed significantly to the Georges River community.
The awards are presented to community heroes in each of the following categories:
Awards presentation
All nominees will receive a formal letter confirming their nomination for the Australia Day Awards 2026.
All winners and their nominators will also receive invitations to the official awards ceremony to be held on Australia Day 26 January 2026, where the winners for each category will be announced.
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When: Monday 26 January 2026, from 10.00am - 12.00pm.
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Where: Club Central, 2 Crofts Avenue, Hurstville.
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Entry: By invite only.
Australia Day Picnic 2026
Australia Day 2026 will be celebrated with a free outdoor picnic at Carss Bush Park on Monday 26 January 2026 from 4.30pm and ending with a spectacular fireworks display over Kogarah Bay from 9.00pm.
Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy this free laid back community event, which will include food stalls and activities for children.
Please note this is an alcohol-free event.
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When: Monday 26 January 2026 from 4.30pm - 9.00pm.
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Where: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park.
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Entry: Free.
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What to bring: Picnic rug and chairs.
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Further information: We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible. FREE parking will be available at Carss Park Flats.
Australia Day Ambassador: Ms Amelia Farrugia, Opera Singer
What you’re most looking forward to on Australia Day? "I love celebrating with our new citizens, seeing their excitement and joy at becoming a part of this amazing country".
Amelia Farrugia is one of Australia’s most celebrated sopranos, acclaimed for her artistry across opera, operetta, music theatre, concert performance and recording. Since her professional debut in 1990, Amelia has enjoyed an international career that has taken her to some of the world’s most prestigious stages. In 2012 and 2015, she joined the roster of soloists at The Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Amelia’s versatility and vocal brilliance have earned her critical acclaim in productions spanning grand opera to contemporary works. She has performed with major orchestras and ensembles, appeared in televised concert events, and recorded extensively, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with both technical mastery and emotional depth.
Beyond the stage, Amelia is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of singers. Her teaching philosophy centres on strengthening the natural beauty of the voice through solid technique, empowering singers of all styles and levels to reach their full potential. Her work reflects a passion for excellence and a belief in the transformative power of music.
As an Australia Day Ambassador, Amelia celebrates the cultural richness and creativity that define our nation. For her, being Australian means embracing diversity, sharing stories through music and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Yarn up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day
Georges River Council's 2026 Australia Day program will begin with a special event, Yarn Up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day. Council is partnering with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation to provide this important opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and allies to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and reflect on the significance of 26 January for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The event will feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances, truth telling exhibition and opportunities to learn and connect together through storytelling, yarning circles and cultural activities.
This event has been co-designed with Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
When: Saturday 17 January 2026 from 9.30am - 2.30pm.
Where: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park.
Travel: Parking is available within the surrounding streets. We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.
Library Showcase - Australian Stories
Georges River Libraries celebrates Australian Stories this January across all branches and online. Uncover new stories from across our First Nations, Fiction, Non-Fiction and Youth collections, and connect to Australian places, voices, and culture.
Head to our Australian Stories showcase displays across each branch, or browse the full collections online:
Australian Stories | Georges River Libraries.
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