The Australian Government will support a record number of events this Australia Day, building on the continued success of the Australia Day Grants Program.
The Albanese Government's $10 million in funding will support a record 869 capital city and community events, the highest since the program began in 2021.
Events funded by this program include a community barbeque and cricket game on Christmas Island. A citizenship ceremony at Bondi Beach. A First Nations community art project in Mandurah and a community concert in Cairns.
For Australia Day 2026, funding will go towards 21 iconic events in capital cities. Funding will also support 848 events in neighbourhoods and in rural, regional and remote communities. This is a 19% increase on the number of Australia Day celebrations in 2025.
The Australian Government has provided financial support for over 3,000 Australia Day events around the country since 2021.
The Australia Day Grants Program is managed and administered by the National Australia Day Council.
For the first time, the program has offered a $2,000 grant to assist organisations to top up their budgets or cover the costs of a smaller event. Allowing more organisations (17% of applicants) to access financial support for their events.
This is in addition to the $10,000 grants to help communities hold accessible and inclusive Australia Day events, and an additional $5,000 for events that include significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
Search for events near you and to get involved, visit https://www.australiaday.org.au/events
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman MP:
"Australia Day is a day to connect with family, friends and community - to celebrate the freedoms we share and the values and beliefs we hold.
"The Australian Government is supporting a record number of community groups right across our country to hold events that bring their communities together.
"On Australia Day, we are all part of the story. Australia Day is a time to celebrate being part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values every citizen.
"I encourage Australians to plan your Australia Day to celebrate this democratic country we continue to build together."
