Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. Australia Day 2025
Published on 16 January 2025
Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. Australia Day 2025
Communities across the Rural City of Wangaratta are preparing for a day of reflection and celebration on 26 January 2025. Residents are encouraged to join one of the many events in our municipality and to take a moment to reflect and celebrate the significance of Australia Day.
Official proceedings will commence at 9.00 am at King George V Gardens in Wangaratta. This will include the presentation of the Australia Day Awards by Mayor Irene Grant, and Australia Day Ambassador Caz Sammon. These awards recognise outstanding contributions to our community and will be given to the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and the Project or Event of the Year. Fourteen rural townships have also planned community gatherings.
This year we will welcome fifteen new Australian citizens who have come from Ghana, India, Iran, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, and Turkiye and have chosen the region of Wangaratta as their new home.
The official proceedings will be accompanied by live performances from Sing Australia and the Wangaratta Concert Band. Following the formalities, the Wangaratta Lions Club will host a free breakfast BBQ with food generously donated by Wangaratta Woolworths.
In a symbolic gesture of unity and reconciliation, the Citizen of the Year will have the honour of having their handprint carved into the Marmungan Rock during National Reconciliation Week in mid-2025. The Marmungun Rock ceremony was conceived by respected Elder Wally Cooper whose pride in his Aboriginal heritage and message of hope for the future inspired many. His ability to connect with all people helped build respect, understanding and reconciliation.
"Australia Day provides an opportunity to come together as a community. To take the time to reflect on our nation’s past, respect everyone’s contributions, and celebrate the city we share”. Said Irene Grant Mayor Rural City of Wangaratta
“The citizenship ceremony will be a highlight of the day – we welcome new Australian citizens who will contribute their skills and cultural diversity to our local community and help shape the future of our region. We also recognise individuals who are making a difference in our community with their participation in public life with the Australia Day Awards.” She continued.
Rural City of Wangaratta will also be hosting Summer Sizzle a free community event at Mitchell Avenue Reserve from 10am – 2pm. This family friendly event includes a BBQ competition, jumping castles, face painting, live music, and more.
Australia Day 2025 in the Rural City of Wangaratta promises to be a day for celebrating our vibrant community, for reflection on our shared history, and respect for our diverse contributions.
Australia Day Event Details
Official Proceedings
King George Gardens | 09:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rural Events
Boorhaman Recreation Reserve | 8.30am
Carboor Hall | 9.00am
Cheshunt Hall | 6.30pm
Eldorado Memorial Hall | 6.00pm
Everton Hall | 8.00am
Glenrowan Lions Park | No Event
Greta | No Event
Hamilton Park Community Hub | 8.30am
Milawa Hall | 5.30pm
Moyhu Lions Park | 8.30am
Murmungee Hall | 7.30am
Peechelba Bushland Reserve | 8.30am
Springhurst Hall | 5.15pm *this event takes place on 24 January
Tarrawingee Community Hall | 7.30am
Whorouly Memorial Hall | 8.00am
Summer Sizzle Family Day & Backyard BBQ Showdown
Wangaratta Splash Park, Mitchell Ave | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm