Griffith residents are invited to celebrate Australia Day on Monday, 26 January 2026, with a full day of recognition, connection and community events.
The morning will begin at Griffith Regional Theatre with a Citizenship Ceremony from 8.30am, welcoming 90 new Australian citizens.
Following this, the winners of the 2026 Australia Day Awards will be announced at 10.30am, with this year's Australia Day Ambassador, dual Olympian Alexandria Moore, helping present awards.
Between 11am and 4pm, dive into the fun at the free Australia Day Splash in Griffith at the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre. Show off your best Aussie-inspired outfit for the chance to score one of three $50 vouchers. Big personalities, bold outfits and plenty of national pride encouraged.
There will be a classic summer sausage sizzle, water and free ice cream for the first 500 people. An art space will offer Aussie inspired watercolour activities and a DJ will set the vibe poolside.
Children can also take part in the Australia Day Kids' Colouring Competition, with Collins Booksellers vouchers awarded in three age groups: 1–4 years, 5–8 years, and 9–12 years. Colouring sheets are available at Griffith City Library, and completed entries must be submitted by Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Winners will be announced on Australia Day.
Australia Day Award Nominees:
- Citizen of the Year: Janice Bavaresco, Patricia (Pat) Cox, Libby Trembath, Anthony (Tony) Catanzariti, Kurrajong - Hugh Taylor, Nicole Williams, Teresa Gullo, Rebecca-Lyn Ruidiger, Zoey Frizel, Erin Docherty, Karen Byrne, Michelle Hutchison, Pat Zandona and Glennis Damini.
- Young Citizen of the Year: Lachlan Barbaro and Benjamin Savage.
- Environmental Citizen of the Year: Stephen Violi and Brian Oakroot.
- Community Project of the Year: Griffith Trauma Teddy Knitters Club and Griffith Motorcycle Sports Club.
- Sportsperson of the Year: Tahlia Quinn, Andrew Sinclair, Simon Spiers and James Wythes.
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Alec Brady, Jack Passlow, Emma Hutchinson, Mackenzie Hassan, Reif Leach, Jacinta Gee, Jezaiah Charles, Marley Morgan and Havana Cook.
- Sports Team of the Year: Kurrajong Crushers-Netball Team, Griffith Junior Rugby Union Football Club, Griffith under 13 Milliken Shield Representative Cricket Team and Griffith Demons U14 Boys Basketball Team.
- Club Person of the Year: Neil Macklin - Leagues Squash and Glennis Damini, Griffith (Ted Scobie Oval) Park Run.
