Griffith residents invited to celebrate Australia Day 2025
Published on 16 January 2025
Griffith residents are encouraged to come together for a day of celebration, recognition, and cultural connection this Australia Day, Sunday, 26 January 2025.
Key events include a Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards, Survival Day Celebration and Kids’ Colouring Competition.
New Australian citizens will be welcomed during the morning ceremony from 9am at Griffith Regional Theatre.
Winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards will be announced at 10.30am, with 45 exceptional individuals and groups nominated. All are welcome to attend this free event. This year’s Australia Day Ambassador is Ms. Michelle Leonard OAM, founder and Artistic Director of the not-for-profit, Moorambilla Voices.
Award Categories and Nominees:
Citizen of the Year: Ajit Singh Sandhu, Dino Zappacosta, Dr. Narayanan Jayachandran, Janice Sartor, Jodie Millar, Sandy Jonas and Will Mead.
Young Citizen of the Year: Chloe Richards, Maddison Ramponi, Shirine Nehme.
Environmental Citizen of the Year: Ema Munro, Lachlan Weymouth, Tom Mackerras.
Community Project of the Year: Hanwood Oval Amenities Block, Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service Chronic Care Team, Griffith Netball Association – GIANTS Netball, Griffith Trauma Teddy Knitters Group, Her Way Project - Safer Cities.
Sportsperson of the Year: Aidan Fattore, Andrew Sinclair, Blake Testoni, Nicole Taylor, Jenna Richards, Nathan Richards.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Jack Passlow, Alani De Martin, Alec Brady, Christian Callcut, Coco Macintosh, Harvana Cook, Lahni Mogliotti, Lylah Aitkin, Mackenzie Hassin, Nate Mingay, Nirvair Singh, Romeo Giannini, Seth Hood, Tess Jamieson, Tomasi Caqusau.
Sports Team of the Year: SWANS B Grade Netball Team, Tharbogang Public School 4x100 mixed relay, Yenda Blueheelers JRL U16 League Tag Team.
Club Person of the Year: Mel Bonetti, Robyn Meehan, Trevor and Dianne Richards.
Head to the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre from 11am to 3pm for Survival Day. Hosted by Griffith City Council and the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council, this event celebrates Wiradjuri culture and community connection.
Enjoy free entry into the pool, traditional dancing, singing, cultural stalls, live music by local artists and a free BBQ lunch.
Don’t forget the Australia Day Kids’ Colouring Competition, with prizes of Collins Booksellers vouchers awarded in three age groups: 1–4 years, 5–8 years and 9–12 years.
Pick up your colouring sheet from Griffith City Library and submit completed entries by Wednesday, 22 January 2025. Winners will be announced on Australia Day.
For more information on any of these events, contact Griffith City Council on 1300 176 077.
***ends***