Georges River Council's Australia Day 2026 program reflects the community's diversity, cultures and achievements.
The program will begin with Yarn Up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day on Saturday 17 January 2026. Council is partnering with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of NSW, and the Justice and Equity Centre 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. It will also allow them to reflect on the significance of 26 January for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The free event will feature cultural performances, a truth-telling exhibition, and opportunities to learn and connect through storytelling, yarning circles and cultural activities.
On Monday 26 January 2026, Council will host the Australia Day Awards. This ceremony will recognise individuals and groups who have made great contributions to the Georges River community. Awards will be presented across categories including:
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Citizen of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Localability Citizen of the Year
The awards presentation will be followed by a citizenship ceremony. This event will welcome new Australian citizens to Georges River, on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
Later that afternoon, Council will host the Australia Day Picnic from 4.30pm. Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, this family (and pet!) friendly event offers live entertainment, food stalls and activities for all ages. The day will end with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.00pm. The event provides an opportunity to 'Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.' It's a chance to come together, reflect on what it means to be Australian, and enjoy the best of Georges River.
Council also welcomes Georges River's Australia Day Ambassador for 2026, Amelia Farrugia. She 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.
Beyond the stage, Amelia is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of singers. She is the owner of Sydney Sings Pty Ltd, teaches at the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation in Neutral Bay, and serves as a vocal tutor at the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music and High School. Her students have gone on to achieve remarkable success, gaining entry into world-leading institutions such as Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts (NYU), Parsons School of Design, and the Royal Academy of Music, London.
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.
Georges River Libraries will also showcase Australian stories, both in branches and online. It will feature Australian authors and their stories. It will offer an opportunity to connect with Australia's places, people and cultures.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, "Australia Day holds different meanings for many people. I invite everyone in our community to reflect on our full history. Join us at these events to learn, connect, and acknowledge those who make Georges River a wonderful place to live."
