Diverse events to be delivered on Australia Day/26 January

The City of Ballarat is promoting a suite of events that will be delivered on Australia Day/26 January this year. 

In striking a balance that acknowledges and respects that there are differing community views and experiences around the day, the City of Ballarat will continue to deliver multiple events on the national day. 

The day will begin with the sixth annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony at Lake Wendouree, followed by the annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, then the fourth annual Australia Day Picnic in the Park at Victoria Park, concluding with the final Summer Sundays concert in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. 

The events will follow the Australia Day Community Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Thursday 23 January. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves recognised there were diverse opinions regarding Australia Day/26 January among the Ballarat community, resulting in the continuance of Council’s decision to hold a range of events on the day that are both celebratory and a chance to reflect. 

“The program planned for the day supports our diverse community and the history we share,” she said. 

“By delivering multiple events, we can create a sense of unity on the day and provide a space for different voices and experiences to be shared and heard. 

“It’s vital we can acknowledge everything we have achieved as a nation, while reflecting on the past.” 

See further detail around events on the day’s events below: 

Australia Day Community Awards Ceremony

The Ballarat Citizen of the Year, Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year will be awarded on Thursday 23 January.

The Ballarat Australia Day Community Awards are provided by the National Australia Day Council (NADC) and are administered by local Councils throughout Australia.

Traditionally the ceremony is held on the evening before Australia Day. However, due to the long weekend this year, the event will be held prior to the weekend to maximise attendance.

2024 Community Award Winners

Survival Day Dawn Ceremony

The 2025 Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will be the sixth reflection and healing event hosted by the City of Ballarat's Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) Advisory Committee in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony is an inclusive event, welcoming all to join in solidarity for reflection and healing.

The event will be held from 5.30am-6.30am at Lake Wendouree’s View Point, followed by the opportunity to have a cuppa and be part of a yarning circle until 10.30am.

For more information, visit the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony page on the City of Ballarat website.

2024 Survival Day Dawn Ceremony - Wadawurrung and Ballarat Aboriginal Community. Picture: Jeremey Bannister

Citizenship Ceremony

The City of Ballarat will welcome 89 new citizens from 25 countries at a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day.

The ceremony will mark the final step in the journey to becoming an Australian citizen and is one of many held throughout the year in the City of Ballarat.

Citizenship Ceremonies bring important rights and responsibilities for new residents, including the right to vote, stand for public office and to travel on an Australian passport.

Attendance at this event is via RSVP only.

2023 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony

Australia Day Picnic in the Park

The fourth annual Australia Day Picnic in the Park event will be held at Victoria Park between 11am and 3pm.

The event will be held next to the Inclusive Play Space on Oak Avenue and will feature great food, market stalls, kids’ activities and entertainment.

Families may also wish to bring their own food to make a picnic to the alcohol-free event.

Last year there more than 5000 of people attend the event, with similar numbers expected this year.

For more information, visit the Australia Day Picnic in the Park page on the City of Ballarat website.

2024 Australia Day Picnic in the Park. Picture: Meda Design

Summer Sundays

The free concert series everybody knows and loves will have its final of four concerts for January in the Ballarat Botanicals Gardens on Australia Day.

With a new family-friendly time of 3pm this year, Summer Sundays will round out proceedings for the day, featuring three out of four local acts.

The perfect way to round out any summer weekend, people are encouraged to pack a picnic rug or camping chairs and find a comfortable spot in the beautiful gardens to listen to some great live music and enjoy something sumptuous from a selection of food trucks on-site.

For more information visit the Summer Sundays website.

2023 Summer Sundays. Picture: Meda Design