Australia Day Community Events
Australia Day community events are held across East Gippsland each year, providing opportunities for residents to come together, recognise local achievements and celebrate our communities.
Events are community-led and supported by Council, with activities varying between locations.
Information about upcoming Australia Day events will be published on this page and in local media closer to the date.
2026 events were held in Bairnsdale, Lindenow, Omeo, Orbost, Paynesville and Swan Reach on 26 January, with activities including community breakfasts, flag raisings, awards, live music and official ceremonies.
We provided small financial contributions directly to host communities to deliver events.
Anzac Day
We encourage members of the community to observe Anzac Day by attending their local dawn services, marches and remembrance ceremonies.
These events are community-led and supported by Council, with a schedule of services, including times and locations throughout the region, to be provided on this page before 25 April annually.
East Gippsland Australia Day Awards
We recognise the outstanding local achievements of people and groups/events from across the shire at its annual Australia Day Awards.
These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the everyday heroes who make East Gippsland a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive.
The Australia Day Awards acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to our community in areas such as volunteering, community service, sports, arts, and environmental initiatives.
Nominations are open in the following categories:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Community Event of the Year
We are fortunate to have many individuals and groups in East Gippsland who go above and beyond for our community. The Australia Day Awards provide an excellent platform to thank those who work tirelessly to support others, often without seeking any reward or acknowledgement. By nominating them, we are celebrating their contribution and showing our gratitude.
We value and celebrate East Gippsland Shire residents. The strong identity and sense of community that we all enjoy, in whichever town we live, is in no small part due to the people volunteering their time for local clubs, groups, facilities or services.
All nominees are recognised at the Australia Day Awards ceremony held in January.
2026 Awards
Over 200 people gathered on Wednesday 21 January to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, set against the stunning backdrop of dusk over our waterways at the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club where locals from across the region came together to celebrate some of East Gippsland’s most dedicated volunteers and community events, enjoying an evening that showcased both our incredible region and the people who make it special.
The community event recognised the incredible contributions of local volunteers through awards in three categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year, with 23 nominations received.
The event was full of community spirit, featuring acoustic music by Warrick Munday, a touching Welcome to Country delivered by Kaylene Williamson, flag procession by the local Lakes Entrance Girl Guides and a barbecue dinner cooked by the volunteers of the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club.
Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Patrick Kinsella, provided a thoughtful keynote address about the power of volunteerism and the strengths of East Gippsland communities.
Award recipients
- Citizen of the Year: Tracey Ah Sam
- Young Citizens of the Year: Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman
- Special Recognition Award for the Community Event of the Year: East Gippsland Winter Festival
- Community Event of the Year: Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland
Details on all award recipoients and a list of nominees can be found below.
