Cessnock City Council will honour those who have made valuable contributions to our community, and welcome dozens of new citizens, as the voice of an iconic children's character joins us for this year's Australia Day activities.
From civic awards to free family fun at Cessnock and Branxton pools, there will be plenty to enjoy during the upcoming long-weekend.
Robyn Moore, the voice of mischievous koala Blinky Bill in the 1992 film and three seasons of the ABC animated series, has been named Cessnock's Australia Day Ambassador for 2026, and she will take part in the day's festivities.
Council's annual Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) from 10am on Monday 26 January, beginning with a Welcome to Country and performance by Aboriginal Cultural Immersions, followed by a keynote speech from Ms Moore, and the swearing-in of 77 new Australians – the LGA's largest group to date to be naturalised. The ceremony will be followed with a light morning tea.
The awards – across seven categories including Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year – will acknowledge those in our community who go above and beyond, and recognise their valuable contributions to Cessnock LGA.
Meanwhile, Cessnock and Branxton pools will offer free entry between 10am and 4pm on 26 January, and host DJ booths at both facilities between 12 and 4pm. There will also be roving entertainers between 1 and 3pm, a free sausage sizzle, lamingtons, and icy poles available.
Cessnock City Mayor Daniel Watton encouraged the community to focus on the common bonds we share in a spirit of respect, unity, and mateship.
"Australia Day is a chance to reflect on the past and look to the future with optimism together – from the 65,000 years of First Nations cultures that endure today, to the new faces we will officially welcome as citizens and who will further enrich our community," said Clr Watton.
To learn more about Cessnock City Council's Australia Day 2026 events, visit this page of our website.
