Community events across the nation for Australia Day 2025 will have a focus on diversity. Photo: File.
As Australia Day 2025 fast approaches, the Federal Government is providing more than $10 million in financial support for hundreds of Australia Day community events in every state and territory.
A focus on inclusiveness and accessibility will be highlighted at these Australia Day events across the country.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and for the Public Service, Patrick Gorman said Australia Day was a day to celebrate the freedoms we share and the values and beliefs we hold as Australians – and gave us time to connect with family, friends and community.
It is a day to reflect on our complete and complex history, he said, to acknowledge the past, and respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ history and continuing culture.
“Australia Day is a time for all Australians to reflect on and celebrate the rich tapestry of our ancient, diverse, and multicultural nation,” Mr Gorman said.
“Australia Day 2025 will be no exception. The program promises a diverse lineup of inclusive events across the nation.
“It is a day to acknowledge the past and pay respect to First Nations peoples’ survival, resilience and enduring culture.
“It is also an opportunity to embrace the many cultures and backgrounds that make up the Australian story.”
While Canberra will stage the national Australia Day ceremony, the Assistant Minister was keen to point out that diverse events will be taking place right around the country.
In capital cities, he said, funding was supporting more than 20 iconic events bringing people together to reflect, respect and celebrate the common bonds shared as Australians.
In suburbs, regional centres and rural, regional and remote communities across the country more than 730 inclusive events will take place – a 15 per cent increase on last year.
These events are being organised by 400 local councils, government entities and not-for-profit organisations, all delivered through the Community Events Grant Program, run by the National Australia Day Council.
Under the program, eligible applicants were able to apply for a fixed grant of $10,000 to deliver inclusive events on our national day.
To encourage more inclusive and respectful engagement, an additional $5000 was made available for events that include significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
Mr Gorman said grant-funded events by local councils and community groups were vital to representing the true diversity of Australia and to providing communities the opportunity to reflect, respect and celebrate their way.
Funding eligibility has been expanded for 2025 to ensure the national day is inclusive of the stories and histories of all Australians, including those from regional, rural and remote communities.
Assistant Minister to the PM and for the Public Service Patrick Gorman. Photo: File.
“Bunbury and Busselton in Western Australia are hosting tens of thousands of people for family-friendly activities,” the Assistant Minister said.
“Blacktown in Western Sydney is featuring a citizenship ceremony and huge fireworks display.
“And the Northern Territory will be putting on its famous Australia Day Ute Run attracting thousands of spectators.
“I encourage communities to come together this Australia Day to celebrate our many achievements, reflect on our complex history and look forward to our future with hope.”
More about Australia Day events taking place locally and across the country can be found on the Australia Day website.
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