FROM free breakfasts and community awards to live music and fireworks, residents have gathered in various locations to mark Australia Day this year.
Our photographers are out and about capturing some of the highlights of the day, showcasing the diversity and spirit of our region. Here are some of the photos that tell the story of Australia Day 2024 so far.
Celebrating at an event we haven't made it to - send your pictures to news@sgst.com.au for inclusion.
Events throughout South Gippsland and Bass Coast
BASS COAST
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi Australia Day Community Breakfast & Annual Community Service Awards
Breakfast served from 7.30am, presentations 9am at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre.
Come on down for a free breakfast on Friday, January 26 before we present the 30th Annual Community Services Awards.
Bass Coast Shire Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
2pm at Wonthaggi Workmens Club.
Oz Day at the Daly
4pm – 9.30pm at Dalyston Recreation Reserve.
A family day with carnival rides, face painting and other kid’s activities together with live bands showcasing quality local talent, a super screen and an amazing fireworks display.
Tickets are available now.
Reflect, Respect and Celebrate at Rhyll
11am – 2pm at Rhyll Hall & Park
The Phillip Island and District Historical Society has collaborated with the Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo to bring you live music, food vans, clowns, stilt walkers, African drummers, an art exhibition, and more.
Australia Day Ceremony, Inverloch
12pm – 12.30pm at Inverloch Cenotaph
Service presented by the President of the Inverloch RSL.
Australia Day Morning Tea, Glen Alvie
10am – 11.30am at Glen Alvie Recreation Reserve
An unfurling of the flag and National Anthem will be followed by guest speaker, former local and recently retired Hawthorn AFLW player Tamara Luke speaking followed by morning tea.
Everyone most welcome to join us on Australia Day.
Australia Day BBQ
From 7pm at Cowes Yacht Club
Aussie favourites on the barbie, salads, plus dessert. The bar will be open as usual for some cold ones.
Adults $25, Children under 12, $12 , Children under 5 are free.
SOUTH GIPPSLAND
Leongatha Australia Day BBQ and Activities
8.30am – 10.30am at McIndoe Park
Citizenship ceremony, guest speaker Lyn Skillern (OAM), children’s activities, free sausage sizzle and lamingtons, music by South Gippsland Shire Brass Band and Jennifer Holm
Dumbalk Australia Day BBQ
6pm – 9.30pm at the Dumbalk Memorial Park
Children’s activities and food will be available. BYO drinks and chairs.
Foster Australia Day BBQ and Activities
1pm – 3pm at Corner Inlet
Children’s activities, buskers, produce stall and book sale, Foster Rotary’s Volunteer of the Year Award, Historical Society’s new exhibition with sausage sizzle, lamingtons and cool drinks available.
Kongwak Australia Day Breakfast
8.30am – 10.30am at Kongwak Public Hall
Flag raising ceremony, egg and bacon breakfast and guest speaker: Barry Charlton from Berry’s Creek Cheese, winner of the Supreme Specialist/Artisan Cheesemaker at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards will be presenting.
Korumburra Australia Day BBQ and Activities
11am – 2.30pm at Coleman Park
Flag raising ceremony, live music – Terry Lay from Begg2Differ and flautist Christine McKenzie, recognition of South Gippsland award nominees, face painting and a sausage sizzle.
Leongatha Rotary Art & Photography Show
10am – 4pm at Leongatha Memorial Hall.
Announcement of the Luciblooms Memorial Youth award at 2.30pm.
Meeniyan Australia Day Breakfast Activities
9am – 11am at Meeniyan Hall
Flag raising and presentation ceremony acknowledging Meeniyan award nominees, entertainment by Serenity and a guest speaker, readings from local identities and the Meeniyan Primary School, free Meeniyan muffin breakfast by the CFA, cuppa by the CWA.
Mirboo North Australia Day Celebration and Morning Tea
From 10.30am at Baromi Centre
Awards ceremony acknowledging Mirboo North nominees, morning tea, entertainment and children’s activities.
Mirboo North Australia Day at the Pool
11am – 7pm at Mirboo North Pool
Live music, food trucks and pool inflatables.
Pound Creek CFA Australia Day Community Event
11am – 2pm at Pound Creek CFA Station.
A free community event with BBQ, salads and sweets provided by the Pound Creek Rural Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary. Entertainment provided by the South Gippsland Brass Band. Guest speaker and a flag raising ceremony, with singing of the Australian national anthem. Fire safety demonstrations and a raffle.
Tarwin Lower Australia Day BBQ
12pm – 2pm at the long table, Tarwin River Boat Ramp
BBQ, sausages and burgers with onions, bread and salad, river duck races, raffles - drawn on day, classic and veteran vehicles on display and all proceeds will go to the Tarwin Lower Mechanics Institute.
Adults $10, Children aged 12 to 18 $5, Children aged 11 and under are free.
Venus Bay Australia Day Breakfast
9am – 12pm at Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
Free Australia Day breakfast, flag raising ceremony and entertainment.
Welshpool Australia Day Family Day
11am – 2pm at Welshpool Park
Free BBQ, children’s yard games and raffle prizes drawn on day.
Australia Day Photography Competition
The winners of the South Gippsland Australia Day Photography Competition will be announced via a virtual YouTube premiere on Australia Day at 5pm.
Join us as we announce showcase the finalists and see how they have interpreted the theme ‘Australia Day: Reflect, Respect, Celebrate. We’re all part of the story. Tune in at: southgippsland.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.
CONTINUE THE FESTIVITIES OVER THE WEEKEND
Wonthaggi Show n’ Shine and Swap Meet
Sunday, January 28
From 8am at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve
Kilcunda Lobster Festival
Sunday, January 28
10am – 3pm at Kilcunda Foreshore Carpark
Sparrows of Kabul
Sunday, January 28
2.30pm at Inverloch Community Hub
