Celebrate Australia Day in Murrumbidgee
Published on 20 January 2025
17 January 2025
Locals and visitors will have the chance to come together in Murrumbidgee this Australia Day with various activities taking place throughout the day. From fun-filled family events to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A special part of the events at Coleambally and Darlington Point will be the visit by Australia Day Ambassador Larn Masterson, who runs the innovative youth program ‘Down The Track’.
Mrs Masterson described being the ambassador for Murrumbidgee in 2025 as an honour and said she can’t wait to experience the community and meet the locals!
She began the youth program which is based in Lake Cargelligo in 2016. Since then, many lives of young people have been enriched form her mentorship, practical education, training, employment and wellbeing support.
Events being held across the area
Coleambally
Australia Day festivities in Coleambally kick off early with the Australia Day Awards Ceremony at 8 am at the Coleambally Community Hall, Kingfisher Avenue. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a free breakfast, live entertainment and the recognition of outstanding community members.
Following the ceremony, the action moves to No 1 & 2 Ovals on Falcon Street for a Six-a-side cricket tournament at 9 am. At 11:30 am, the celebrations continue with an Aussie Day Pool Party at the Coleambally Swimming Pool, running until 3 pm.
Darlington Point
In Darlington Point, the day begins with a special Waddi Cultural Celebration from 9 am to 11 am at the Waddi Cultural Centre, Carrington Street, offering an opportunity to learn about the region's Indigenous heritage. At 12 pm, join the Australia Day Awards Ceremony at CWA Park, followed by a free BBQ lunch and live entertainment.
From 11 am, the Punt Hotel hosts fun-filled activities, including yabby races, a sausage sizzle, a water slide, and Aussie karaoke, promising a day full of entertainment. The festivities continue with a Glow Pool Disco at the Darlington Point War Memorial Swimming Pool from 3 pm, featuring a sausage sizzle and more family-friendly activities.
Jerilderie
Jerilderie will be hosting a vibrant range of activities starting with Pool Volleyball from 10 am to 2 pm at the Jerilderie Swimming Pool. At 2:15 pm, the Jeithi Cultural Centre, Powell Street, will host the Respect and Hope Event, celebrating local Indigenous culture and community spirit. The day concludes with the highly anticipated Australia Day Awards, entertainment, and fireworks at Luke Park from 6:30 pm, a perfect way to end the celebrations.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae OAM described Australia Day as a time to come together as a community to celebrate everything that makes our country great. I am proud of the events and activities planned across our region, offering something for all ages. It’s wonderful to see traditional and modern Australian values celebrated, and I encourage everyone to join in and enjoy the festivities.”
“We look forward to seeing families, friends and visitors come together to celebrate our shared history, community spirit and love for Australia,” Cr McRae said.