We recognise that there are a diverse range of views in our community on Australia Day. For some, it's a day of celebration of our nation and people, while for others, it's one of mourning and reflection.
In light of recent tensions and the horrific attack at Bondi, we urge everyone to be respectful, kind and considerate of others on this day.
We're holding two citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, with councillors set to recognise 400 conferees who have chosen to make our beautiful part of the world their home. The City takes care to acknowledge Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and all First Peoples in Geelong at this event.
Our soon-to-be new citizens hail from 40 different countries, including Afghanistan, China, India, Germany, Nepal, Pakistan, UK and USA.
We're also supporting a number of Australia Day events through funding, waiving permit fees and other means, including the Festival of Sails, the Lara Australia Day Breakfast and Australia Day 2026 Portarlington.
The $37,500 in Council funding for the Rippleside Family Fun Day, which the organisers have cancelled, will instead be used to deliver family-friendly activities at the Festival of Sails.
We are supportive of community groups who are planning and attending events such as Truth-Telling and Flag Raising ceremonies, including the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Survival Day event in North Geelong or the Wadawurrung?Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation's 'Truth-Telling at Sunrise' PilkPurriyn event in Torquay.
To support cultural safety and inclusivity in our workplace, our EBA allows employees to work on January 26 and swap the public holiday for a different day.
