As we approach Australia Day, I would like to warmly invite everyone in Georges River to join us in reflection, connection, and celebration.
Australia Day holds different meanings for different people. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 26 January is a day of grief and reflection, acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonisation. It is important that we recognise this, listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and respect their experiences as we come together as a community.
Our Australia Day program began on Saturday 17 January with Yarn Up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day. This free event was held in partnership with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, the Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW, and the Justice and Equity Centre. The event featured cultural performances, a truth-telling exhibition, and opportunities to connect through storytelling, yarning circles, and cultural activities.
Designed by Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, the event provided an important space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and allies to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The day also encouraged reflection on the meaning of 26 January and fostered understanding and respect across our community. It was a day of connection and celebration, leaving everyone who attended with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
As we reflect on the conversations fostered through Yarn Up, it is important that we carry this spirit of connection into the days ahead. Acknowledging the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples strengthens the way we come together as a community and helps ensure that our Australia Day events are grounded in respect. With this shared foundation, we can recognise the many multicultural contributions that shape Georges River and continue our program of celebrations with a deeper sense of connection and purpose.
On Monday 26 January, we will celebrate the contributions of our community through the Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals who make Georges River a better place. Following the awards, our citizenship ceremony will formally welcome new Australians, celebrating the pride and responsibility of becoming a citizen and their place in our shared community. These moments of recognition reflect the unity, shared values, and success that make Georges River a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
Later that afternoon, the Australia Day Picnic will begin at 4.30pm. Supported by the National Australia Day Council, this family and pet-friendly event will feature live entertainment, food stalls, and activities for all ages, concluding with a fireworks display at 9.00pm. It is a wonderful chance to gather, enjoy each other's company, and reflect on what it means to be part of this diverse community.
I encourage everyone to take part in these events and to celebrate the people, stories, and cultures that make Georges River such a special place to live. Together, we can acknowledge our past, embrace our diversity, and continue to build a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and welcome.
