A commemorative tree planting ceremony involving local students will be held at the Rail Lands on Monday 25 May 2026, marking the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Town of Mount Gambier.
Students from 14 local schools will take part, helping to complete the planting of 15 Claret Ash trees along the Rail Trail between Crouch Street and Ferrers Street. Each tree will represent a decade of the city's 150-year history.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the ceremony would create a lasting reminder of the milestone, supported by plaques for each decade.
"The trees will stand as a permanent reminder of the people and generations who have shaped Mount Gambier over the past 150 years," Mayor Martin said.
"They represent growth, continuity and our shared responsibility to care for this city now and into the future."
The Lieutenant Governor of South Australia Dr Richard Harris SC OAM will attend the ceremony and deliver a formal address.
A Citizenship Ceremony will also be held on 25 May 2026, welcoming 26 new Australian citizens from 12 countries to the local community.
Mayor Martin said the anniversary is an opportunity to jointly acknowledge the city's history and its ongoing growth.
"As we reflect on the past 150 years, we also recognise that Mount Gambier continues to grow through new people, new stories and new connections," she said.
A broader anniversary program will be delivered across 2026/2027, with a focus on community participation, shared ownership and creating a lasting legacy.
"This anniversary is not just about one event or one day. It is about supporting our community to come together, contribute ideas and shape celebrations in ways that are meaningful to them," Mayor Martin said.
"One excellent example is an ecumenical service to be held at the Anglican Church on Sunday 31 May at 5:00pm for the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Town of Mount Gambier. I wish to thank the Minister's Association for providing this opportunity for the community to come together to reflect on this important moment in our history."
An additional element of the program includes a Community Celebration Fund offering $5,000 grants to support community led events, festivals and civic activities in the coming year.
"The fund will provide 10 grants and aims to support local ideas and give our community the opportunity to lead their own events as part of this milestone," Mayor Martin said.
See Community Celebration Fund guidelines here.
