George Town Celebrates Australia Day with Reflection, Respect, and Community Spirit
Australia Day is a time for all Australians to reflect, respect, and celebrate, acknowledging our shared history and diverse culture. From the First Nations people who have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years to the newest Australian citizens, we all play a role in the ongoing Story of Australia.
On Monday, 26th January 2026, the George Town Municipality came together for a Civic Ceremony to mark the occasion. The George Town Council welcomed five new citizens who hail from various countries included Germany, China, India, Phillippines, and New Zealand. We also proudly presented the Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
The George Town Australia Day Awards highlighted the dedication of local individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make our community a better place.
• Citizen of the Year – Richard Little
• Young Citizen of the Year – Satayah Moore
• Community Event of the Year – Jazz by the Sea
Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees, whose hard work, generosity, and passion continue to enrich George Town. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and thank them for their ongoing contributions.
Each year, we actively invite and encourage our local community organisations to take part in our Australia Day events. Groups such as the Lions Club of George Town, Country Women’s Association and Rotary Club of George Town play a vital role in making the day special. Their support and dedication help create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that truly reflects the spirit of our town.
We were privileged to welcome Kristine Bull, as our 2026 Australia Day Ambassador. Kristine works as a Private Practice Psychologist on the North West Coast of Tasmania. She has a special interest in working with clients with Autism and has developed a number of group therapy programs, including ‘Brain Boot Camp’ and ‘Love and the Spectrum’. Her team also run after school Social Clubs for neurodiverse children and adolescents, as well as social skills programs for adults with a disability.
Following the formal ceremony, celebrations continued with a family-friendly afternoon at the East Beach recreation area. Around 600 community members and visitors attended, with the first 400 guests enjoying complimentary ice cream and sausages. The event featured a wide range of activities, including surf lessons, laser tag, volleyball, cricket, face painting, balloon art, and a photo booth. Live music was provided by Jerome Hiller.
Mayor Cr Greg Kieser expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in making the day a success.
“On behalf of our community, I welcome our newest citizens and congratulate our incredible Australia Day Award winners for their outstanding contributions.”
“A heartfelt thank you to all who attended and to our dedicated volunteers from the Rotary Club of George Town and Country Women’s Association. Together, we reflect, respect, and celebrate, because we’re all part of the story.”
Thanks to funding awarded through the Australia Day Council, all of our Australia Day activities were completely free for the community. This support allowed us to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, could take part in the day’s celebrations and feel included in this important national event.
As we move forward, let’s continue to embrace the values that unite us diversity, community, and shared pride in being Australian.
