Celebrate Australia Day 2026 in the Northern Grampians

Published on 19 January 2026

Northern Grampians Shire leaders have invited residents and visitors to help celebrate the region’s outstanding individuals and groups at Australia Day events throughout the municipality on Monday.

Council will host events in St Arnaud and Stawell, with community-led events at Navarre, Marnoo and Stuart Mill.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the celebrations were an opportunity for building connections and giving thanks, with the announcement of community award winners always a highlight of 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.

“I would like to thank everyone who nominated an individual or group for this year’s accolades – you didn’t make it easy for us councillors to select the winners due to the many high-quality applicants.

“I congratulate everyone who was nominated for their tireless contributions to our region and its people and look forward to announcing the winners on Monday.

“I encourage our community to come along to our Australia Day events and help recognise the efforts and achievements of some special people in our shire.”

Cr Hyslop said citizenship ceremonies at the Stawell and St Arnaud events would also be among the highlights.

“Becoming an Australian citizen is such a proud and special moment for all involved, particularly on Australia Day and in front of a large crowd,” she said.

“I love the opportunity to celebrate our shire and its achievements, particularly throughout the past 12 months. These events are a wonderful way to start the morning or end the day, as friends, families and neighbours come together to celebrate the things that are special about our shire, our people and our country.”

Council’s festivities will get underway 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.

In the afternoon, the action moves to Central Park, Stawell, 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 Monday, including water slides, inflatables, music, games and spot prizes, from 2pm to 5pm.

Council Australia Day events

St Arnaud

Location - Market Square, St Arnaud.
8am - Free community breakfast courtesy of Rotary and Lions clubs of St Arnaud.
9am - Official Australia Day Awards ceremony, citizenship ceremony and flag raising ceremony. A special community address will be delivered by our local St Arnaud Australia Day Ambassador, Karen Douglas.
Following the ceremony, enjoy a Devonshire morning tea at St Arnaud Town Hall, courtesy of Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens.

Wet or extreme weather: If weather conditions require a change of venue, the event will move to St Arnaud Town Hall. Notification of this change will be provided via social media and signs at the venue.

Stawell

Location - Central Park, Stawell.
5pm - Free community barbecue courtesy of Stawell Woolworths and Stawell Lions Club.
6pm - Official Australia Day ceremony, featuring a special community address delivered by Stawell Ambassador, Josephina McDonald. This will be followed by an Australian citizenship ceremony and awards ceremony. 
Wet or extreme weather option: If the weather turns unfavourable, the event will be relocated to Stawell Town Hall. Watch for notifications on social media and signs at the venue.

Community-led celebrations

Navarre

Location - Community Park, High Street.
8am to 10am - Free community breakfast.
10am - Flag raising ceremony followed by official Australia Day ceremony, which will include a guest speaker.
Further details - Leonie Bibby, 0439 753 344.

Marnoo

Location - Marnoo Hall, 2 Newall Street.
12pm - Community lunch provided by Marnoo CWA. Flag raising ceremony followed by official Australia Day ceremony. Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Further details - Marg Shaughnessy, 0438 080 142 or Lois Johnson, 0400 715 080.

Stuart Mill

Location - Stuart Mill Hall, Stuart Mill.
7pm - Official proceedings with a guest speaker, followed by a light supper provided by CWA. All welcome to attend.
Further details - Sheryn Lloyd, 0409 428 572.