Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General
It is one week until Australia Day 2025 and all Australians are encouraged to visit www.australiaday.org.au(link is external) to find local events and plan their day.
The Australian Government has provided financial support for more than 750 Australia Day 2025 community events in every state and territory.
There has been a 15 per cent increase in the number of supported Australia Day events in 2025. There are 254 events being held in regional communities and there will be more than 171 events with significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
Each event supported by the National Australia Day Council now includes specific elements to ensure their events are inclusive, such as having Auslan interpreters, ramp hires, accessible amenities or providing quiet spaces.
In capital cities, federal funding is supporting more than 20 iconic events on Australia Day:
In Sydney, the Australia Day Live program of events will span the day with the Dawn Reflection on the sails of the Sydney Opera House, the WugOlora Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo. Ending the day with the iconic Australia Day Live Concert and broadcast from the Sydney Opera House.
Further north, the Great Australian Bites in the parklands will feature local talent, multicultural food offerings people of all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures in an event for the Brisbane community to come together.
In the Top End, the 2025 Oz Run will wind its way through Darwin city streets and the waterfront, and "The Story of Us" festival will showcase inclusiveness and multiculturalism by performers from remote areas.
The South Australian story will be told at Aus Lights on the River in Adelaide. The event will project a curated light and imagery experience and an intercultural parade will also showcase the state's diverse cultures.
Perth will play host to a packed Australia Day program in Langley Park, including a Family Fun Zone, Film Dome, Birak Concert, outdoor food hall, and drone and fireworks show.
In Melbourne, the 2025 Australia Day Festival will take place in the grounds of Government House with a diverse range of activities, organisations, and community groups taking part.
Finally, in our nation's capital, Canberra's Drone Sky Show will take place on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, focusing on cultural diversity.
On top of these exciting capital city events, there are more than 730 events happening in our suburbs, regional centres and rural, regional and remote communities. All delivered through the Community Events Grant Program, run by the National Australia Day Council.
The variety in the events program this year truly shows that Australia Day can be marked in so many diverse ways. Whether that is the hot air balloon display in Parramatta, the Warrah Creek dog-jumping event and cricket match, or Mornington Island's thong-throwing competition. There is something in the program for everyone.
These events are being organised by 400 local councils, government entities and not-for-profit organisations. Organisers range from the Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Association, to the Rotary Club of Nunawading and the Bangladeshi Seniors Club of Canberra.
Inclusive and diverse events can be found right across our wide brown land.
From the inclusive dance and afternoon tea for people with a disability at the South Perth Community Centre in the west, all the way across to the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Duck Derby in the east.
Australia Day will be marked in the Top End with a Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run and in the south with the Woodville Spelling Bee and the George Town pool party.
This Australia Day, there are so many ways to reflect, respect and celebrate our amazing nation. To plan the perfect Australia Day for you and your family, go to www.australiaday.org.au(link is external) .
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman:
"With one week until Australia Day 2025, I encourage Australians to visit www.australiaday.org.au(link is external) to find local events."
"The diversity of events will make you proud to be an Australian."
"Australia Day is about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be."
"It is our day - but can be marked your way. No matter where you live in Australia, where you have come from, and what Australia Day means for you, there is an event in the program to help you mark the day with meaning."
"Our Government is proud to be supporting more than 750 inclusive events to provide opportunities for communities across Australia to come together and celebrate our nation and our future."
"In planning your Australia Day, follow the lead of Australians of the Year Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer and make sure your plan is a sun smart plan."
