Warrnambool returns Australia Day to January 26
Warrnambool City Council is bringing Australia Day celebrations back to January 26 in 2027. They had skipped it for two years.
Warrnambool City Council is returning Australia Day to January 26 in 2027. The event will include a traditional barbecue.
The council moved the celebration away from that date starting in 2022 after the event lapsed following the pandemic. Some award winners refused the honour when it was held away from January 26.
The council also had trouble finding musicians and artists willing to perform that day. Council chief executive officer Andrew Mason told councillors on November 2 that the return reflects public feedback.
From 2027, the council will hold three things on Australia Day. These are the citizen of the year awards, a citizenship ceremony, and a barbecue.
Council members said the move helps the community celebrate national identity. It also recognizes what January 26 means to Indigenous peoples.
- 2027
- Return year
- 2 years
- Years skipped
- November 2, 2026
- Announcement date
- Botanic Gardens
- Previous venue
Why it mattersLocal council choices about when to hold national day events show community tension. This tension is about how January 26 should be marked.
AustraliaThe decision signals whether other Australian councils will continue avoiding January 26 or return to on-the-date celebrations.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
