Celebrate Australia Day in Northern Grampians Shire

Published on 21 January 2025

Northern Grampians Shire residents will celebrate some of the municipality’s outstanding individuals and groups during a range of official and community-led Australia Day events on Sunday.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the celebrations were an opportunity for unity and appreciation, with the announcement of community award winners to be a highlight of council-led celebrations in St Arnaud and Stawell.

“Our Australia Day ceremonies are an opportunity to give thanks to the people who make this shire such a special place to live, work and invest in,” she said.

“Our councillors have been busy selecting the winners from a range of quality applicants and I congratulate everyone nominated on their contributions to our shire.

“I’m excited to celebrate the winners and encourage everyone to come along and recognise the amazing achievements of people in our community.”

Cr Hyslop said she also looked forward to presiding over her first Australian citizenship ceremony as mayor.

“Becoming an Australian citizen is such a proud and special moment for all involved, particularly on our national day,” she said.

“I am so grateful to live in such a wonderful community, built on collaboration, compassion and resilience. The spirit of Northern Grampians Shire residents was particularly evident in the response to the Grampians fires over the Christmas-new year period, with an outpouring of support and generosity from people keen to help the affected residents and businesses.”

Council’s festivities will kick off with a free community breakfast in Market Square, St Arnaud at 8am. Official proceedings will start at 9am, including the announcement of this year’s award winners. The categories for Kara Kara Ward are: Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group or Event of the Year.

The spotlight moves to Central Park, Stawell in the afternoon, with a free community barbecue at 5pm.

The Australia Day ceremony will start at 6pm and include the announcement of award winners from Central and Grampians wards, in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Local Hero and Community Group or Event of the Year.
The award winners will also be announced on Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Facebook page and website following the events.

Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre will host an Australia Day pool party on Sunday, including water slides, inflatables, music, games and spot prizes, from 2pm to 5pm. 

A full list of the shire's Australia Day events is available here.