City of Darwin invites the community to come together for a free Australia Day Community Celebration and Citizen of the Year Awards on Monday 26 January 2026.
Australia Day is an opportunity to respect and celebrate the Australian spirit. It is a day to reflect on the country’s history, to acknowledge the past, and respect and celebrate First Nations Peoples’ history and continuing culture.
It is a time to connect with family, friends, and the wider community, and to celebrate the freedoms, values, and beliefs we share.
The Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate everyday community heroes who go above and beyond to support others, and the events that help us build a stronger and more connected community.
Acting Lord Mayor Patrik Ralph said the day will be a meaningful opportunity to celebrate both our national and shared community values.
The Australia Day Community Celebration will include:
Welcome to Country, tap stick and didgeridoo performance and smoking ceremony from Larrakia Nation.
Official announcement of the Darwin Citizen of the Year Award, Darwin Young Citizen of the Year Award and Darwin Community Activity of the Year Award.
Live music from Band of the 1st Brigade
21 Gun Salute and RAAF Flyover by the Australian Defence Force at The Cenotaph.
A free sausage sizzle, face painting and children’s activities.
City of Darwin encourages the community to enjoy free admission all day to the local pools in Casuarina, Nightcliff and Parap as part of the Australia Day celebrations.
DATE/TIME
Monday 26 January 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
VENUE
Bicentennial Park, The Esplanade
Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive all of the above and more
