27/01/2025

This year, we marked Australia Day with a special program of events, activities and activations that reflect our commitment to inclusivity, cultural celebration, and community spirit. It is a time to honour the achievements and contributions of our community members while also acknowledging our shared journey towards reconciliation.
 
On Saturday 18 January, it was a great turn out at our Yarn Up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day event at Carss Bush Park, hosted in partnership with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation. This special event featured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances and provided an opportunity to reflect on our ongoing progress towards advancing the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
 
This event was designed by Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, that aimed to promote respect and understanding by having meaningful conversations about the significance of 26 January for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Everyone that attended contributed to this important dialogue as we work together to create a more inclusive future.
 
As part of the Program, we also welcomed new citizens in a citizenship ceremony and honoured our community heroes yesterday. We welcomed 234 proud new Australian citizens to Georges River in the citizenship ceremony. We celebrated the outstanding contributions of our community members through the Georges River Australia Day Awards at Marana Auditorium in Hurstville. Congratulations to our winners; Young Citizens of the Year, Nehal Nafcy and Fiona Jiang, Volunteer of the Year Reginald Walker, Citizen of the Year Tony Baddour, and Localability Citizen of the Year Jennifer Parry. They are truly deserving. Later that day, families enjoyed children’s activities, delicious food truck options and fireworks at our Australia Day Picnic at Carss Bush Park.
 
Throughout January, our Georges River Libraries have been celebrating Australian Stories with special showcase displays and collections across all branches and online. From First Nations literature to contemporary fiction, the libraries offer an opportunity to explore and connect with Australian voices and culture. I encourage you to discover these collections in person or online.
 
It was wonderful to see these events help us celebrate the vibrant and diverse spirit of Georges River.