The City of Mount Gambier will mark a significant milestone in 2026, with Council endorsing a program of community focused events and activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Town of Mount Gambier.
Council endorsed the program at the March 2026 Council meeting, along with an allocation of funds from the 2025/2026 Council Capacity Building Fund to support delivery of the celebrations and a new, one off community celebration grant fund.
The anniversary will be marked from 25 May 2026, with activities and events delivered across the 150th year, creating opportunities for the community to celebrate Mount Gambier's history, culture and identity in meaningful and inclusive ways.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the city's journey while celebrating the strength and spirit of community.
"The 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Mount Gambier is a moment of pride for our city and our people," Mayor Martin said.
"This program has been designed to place the community at the heart of the celebrations, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to share stories, create new memories and celebrate what makes Mount Gambier such a special place to live."
The endorsed program includes a range of initiatives designed to deliver long term community benefit, including a community celebration grant fund offering grants of up to $5,000 to local community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations to deliver their own anniversary events and activities.
City of Mount Gambier General Manager People, Place and Liveability Chris White said the program reflects Council's commitment to enabling locally led celebrations that build civic pride and connection.
"This is not about a single event, but about empowering our community to shape the celebrations in ways that are meaningful to them," Mr White said.
"By supporting community‑driven projects, educational initiatives and cultural activities, we are creating a year long legacy that honours Mount Gambier's past while strengthening connections into the future."
Other key elements of the program include a commemorative tree‑planting project on the Railway Lands involving local schools, interpretative plaques developed by students to reflect each decade of the city's history, a special library exhibition, a temporary 'Former Mayors' Gallery at South Link in City Hall, and a Citizenship Ceremony aligned with the anniversary date of 25 May 2026.
A community photography initiative, 'Mount Gambier - 150 Stories', will also launch as part of the celebrations, inviting residents to share images, stories and reflections of the city, culminating in a commemorative photo book to serve as an enduring record of the anniversary year.
The anniversary coincides with Reconciliation Week 2026, and Council will continue working closely with First Nations representatives to ensure respectful recognition and acknowledgement throughout the program, in line with the City of Mount Gambier's commitment to reconciliation and dual naming.
