Georges River Council’s Australia Day program is a month-long series of events and activities that celebrate our community’s culture, diversity, and history.

The program invites everyone to reflect, connect, and celebrate together. It includes family-friendly entertainment, cultural performances, and opportunities to learn about and recognise the Bidjigal Traditional Owners of the Georges River area and their ongoing connection to this place.

These events focus on the values that bring us together as a community.

Australia Day Awards 2027

The Georges River Australia Day Awards are an annual awards campaign that aims to honour people who have contributed significantly to the Georges River community.

The awards are presented to community heroes in each of the following categories:

• Young Citizen of the Year.

• Volunteer of the Year.

• Citizen of the Year.

• Localability Citizen of the Year.

• Sportsperson of the Year. 

The nomination period for 2027 is now open. Nominations will close at 11:59pm on Monday 30 November 2026.

Nominate your Community Hero

Awards presentation:

All winners and their nominators will also receive invitations to the official awards ceremony on Australia Day, where the winner of each category will be announced.

• When: Tuesday 26 January 2027, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

• Where: Marana Auditorium, 16 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.

• Parking: Limited. We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.

Australia Day Picnic 2027

Date: Tuesday 26 January 2027.
Times: 4:30pm - 9:00pm.
Location: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Ave, Carss Park.
Entry: Free.

What to bring: Picnic rug and chairs. Please note this is an alcohol-free event. Bring a picnic to enjoy with friends and family, or purchase food from our on-site vendors.

Further information: Parking available at Carss Park Flats. We encourage attendees to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.
 

Yarn up: Celebrating Cultures and Understanding Australia Day

Georges River Council's 2027 Australia Day program will begin with this special event that provides an important opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and allies to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and reflect on the significance of 26 January for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It will feature cultural performances and opportunities to learn and connect together through storytelling, yarning circles and cultural activities. This event is co‑designed with Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

Date: Saturday 16 January 2027.
Times: To be announced.
Location: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park.
Entry: Free.

What to bring: Water bottle, hat and sunscreen. Please note lunch and refreshments will be provided. This is an alcohol-free event.
 

Library Showcase - Australian Stories 

Georges River Libraries celebrates Australian Stories in January 2027 across all branches and online. This includes new stories from across our First Nations, Fiction, Non-Fiction and Youth collections, and connect to Australian places, voices, and culture.
 

Re-live the magic

Here’s how we celebrated Australia Day in previous years!

Catch the best moments from the Australia Day Picnic 2026 in the video below.



Browse photos from previous Australia Day Programs in the gallery below.