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.
Yarn up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day
Council is partnering with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation to bring you this very special event that will feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances and shine a light on ongoing progress towards advancing the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The event will also provide opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and allies to reflect on how to have conversations about the significance of 26 January for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that promote respect and understanding.
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When: Saturday 18 January 2025, from 9.30am - 2.30pm.
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Where: Carss Bush Park
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Entry: $10.00 plus GST & booking fee. (Note: There is no cost for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples attending but bookings are essential).
Find out more information and make a booking.
The event was designed by Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
Australia Day Awards 2025
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:
- Young Citizen of the Year.
- Volunteer of the Year.
- Citizen of the Year.
- Localability Citizen of the Year.
Awards presentation
All nominees will receive a formal letter confirming their nomination for the Australia Day Awards 2025.
All winners and their nominators will also receive invitations to the official awards ceremony to be held on Australia Day 26 January 2025, where the winners for each category will be announced.
- When: Sunday 26 January 2025, from 10.00am - 12.00pm.
- Where: Marana Auditorium, 16 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.
- Entry: Free.
- Parking: Limited. We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.
Australia Day Ambassador
Each year Australia Day Ambassadors participate in Australia Day activities around NSW inspiring communities, sharing knowledge and insights from their extraordinary and diverse backgrounds and stories of what it means to be Australian. 
Ms. Amar Hadid, professional skateboarder, is Georges River's 2025 Australia Day Ambassador.
"I am very grateful and proud to have received the very first Scholarship in the world for skateboarding from The University of Sydney, and I believe that it is my duty to help others and to give back society for the faith my University placed in me. I've found during my sporting life to date, that I have gravitated towards leading from the front, which has been supported by my team-mates and coaches alike. As a result, I feel that as an individual I will be a valuable asset to help promote youth, sport and Australian causes."
Learn more about Ms. Amar Hadid's story and achievements.
Australia Day Picnic 2025
Australia Day 2025 will be celebrated with a free outdoor picnic at Carss Bush Park on Sunday 26 January 2025 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.
- When: Sunday 26 January 2025 from 4.30pm - 9.00pm.
- Where: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park.
- Entry: Free.
- What to bring: Picnic rug and chairs.
- Further information: Limited parking will be available at Carss Park Flats. We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.
Accessibility information
If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us at events@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9330 6400.
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 until Friday 31 January 2025: Australian Stories | Georges River Libraries.
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