THERE could be no better way to celebrate Australia Day than a classic Aussie day at the beach, with the family, playing beach cricket, having a swim and having fun.
And with the weather in the high 20s locally, ahead of a scorcher on Monday, there’s any one of dozens of beaches, between Phillip Island and the Prom, to take a dip.
And while you’re likely to be battling the crowds just to get a car park at Walkerville South, Alison Lester’s ‘Magic Beach will still be the popular choice of many.
But don’t forget to turn out and support your local Australia Day celebrations.
Here’s a few suggestions:
BASS COAST
• Dalyston: Oz Day At The Daly - see more information below.
• Glen Alvie: On Sunday, January 26 a celebration will be held at the Glen Alvie Recreation Reserve, starting at 10am with the unfurling of the flags. Madeleine Stuchbery, journalist from the Weekly Times will present as a guest speaker, and the formalities will be followed by a morning tea. Gold coin donation upon entry.
• Kilcunda: Lobster Festival - see details below.
• Inverloch: Australia Day will be celebrated in Inverloch during the town’s Community Farmers Market on January 26 at The Glade, with Inverloch Lions Club and Inverloch RSL Sub Branch combining to ensure the occasion receives appropriate attention. There’ll be an 11am service at the sound shell, Australian flags will be handed out to kids, Inverloch RSL president Ross Gabb is the speaker and ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and ‘I am Australian’ will be played. Attendees will hear what Australia Day means to the RSL, with the nation’s veterans having fought under the Australian flag, their sacrifices making the national day possible. In true Aussie tradition, there’ll be a sausage sizzle.
• Phillip Island: Phillip Island and District Historical Society, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo, warmly invites you to a community gathering at Rhyll Park on Sunday, January 26 from 11am to 3pm. This family-friendly event promises a day filled with music, fun, and reflection on the unique privilege of calling this beautiful region home. Includes free sausage sizzle, live music, food vans, kid’s activities, face painting and stilt walker. Island Summer Carnival: Open from 6pm nightly with fireworks on Australia Day at 9.30pm with Kiddies Kingdom Rides, Family Rides, Thrill Rides, Carnival Games, Showbags, Delicious Carnival Food Treats, Refreshing Slushies, Jumping Castles and so much more!
• Pound Creek: Pound Creek Rural Fire Brigade is holding a free BBQ lunch for all who want to come along and celebrate Australia Day with the Pound Creek community. The day starts at 11.30am with a flag raising ceremony at the Pound Creek Fire Brigade station, followed by a guest speaker, fire safety demonstration, South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, raffles with lots of prizes, and a free BBQ lunch complete with salads and slices, tea and coffee. Cold drinks are available as well.
• Woodleigh: The gumboot throw is on at 10am on Australia Day at Woodleigh Hall after a breakfast of egg and bacon rolls, snags, juice, tea and coffee. Pat a cow thanks to 17-year-old Bonnie Ross from Heath Hill, her folks and cow Brookbora Askin Estelle, who will be on hand for milking, photos and general loving pats. There’s also the chance to discuss some good ol’ ‘back in my day…’ with old Woodleigh dairy farmers on the working of milking. Head to Woodleigh Hall, 86 Woodleigh-St Helier Road, Woodleigh on Sunday, January 26 from 8.30am – 12 noon. Adults $10, Children $5
• Wonthaggi: Rotary Awards: Join the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi as they host the Community Service Awards at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre after a free breakfast kicking off from 7.30am. WONTHAGGI SHOW N’ SHINE: Dust off the old girl and pop along to Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve for the annual Show n’ Shine and Swap Meet. Gates open from 8am (public) with a cruise the evening before. CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY: The Bass Coast Citizenship Ceremony will take place on January 26 at Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club at 2pm.
SOUTH GIPPSLAND
· Australia Day in Mirboo North: Australia Day will be celebrated locally in Mirboo North at the Baromi Centre from 10.30am, with the winner of the towns own Citizen of the Year announced. As part of formal proceedings an Acknowledgement of Country will open the morning and the two local nominees for Citizen of the Year, Colin Murray and Dianne Kiddle will be welcomed on to stage and their achievements presented. Colin Murray has dedicated much of his time, energy, care and attention to the Mirboo North community, with 15 years of volunteer CFA service, taking care of the Christmas drive each year, being a long acting member and volunteer of the 1st Mirboo North Scout Group and assisting alongside many community groups. Dianne (Di) Kiddle served on the original Mirboo North Child Steering Group committee to establish the St Andrew’s Child Care Centre, coordinated the Community Kitchen and the Mirboo North Community Bus Service and continues to do community work through the church, recently acting as Chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee of Presbytery of Gippsland. Following the presentation, Mirboo North Fire Brigade Captain Trent Venton will be the guest speaker before proceedings are closed. Councillors will be in attendance in representation of the shire and the Mirboo North Cricket Club will be catering for the event with morning tea to be served. This event is free and all are welcome to attend and support the people of their community.
· DUMBALK 6.30pm - 9.30pm Australia Day BBQ Dumbalk Memorial Park • Free BBQ • BYO drinks and chairs • Children’s activities Contact: Walter Aich 0419 559 367
· FOSTER 11.00am - 3.30pm Australia Day Activities Outside the Foster and District Historical Museum • Produce stall, book sale, trash and treasure stall • Free entry into the Museum • Afternoon tea - 2.30pm to 3.30pm • Presentation from Foster Rotary - 3.00pm • Raffles • Buskers Contact: Marg Haycroft 0409 338 352
· KONGWAK 8.30am - 10.30am Australia Day Breakfast Kongwak Public Hall • Flag raising ceremony • Egg and sausage breakfast • Presentation from Wattle Bank Farm at 9.30am Contact: Bill Brown 0407 881 025
· KORUMBURRA 10.30am - 12.30pm Australia Day BBQ and Activities Coleman Park, 39 Queen Street, Korumburra • Flag raising ceremony • Live music • Guest speaker • Recognition of South Gippsland award nominees • Sausage sizzle by Korumburra Lions • Oz cookies by Koringal Women’s Service Club • Face painting • Bocci Contact: Noelene Cosson 0438 551 605
· MEENIYAN 9.30am - 11.30am Australia Day Breakfast Activities Meeniyan Hall (Mechanics Institute), 97 Whitelaw Street • Flag Raising Ceremony at Cenotaph • Presentation ceremony acknowledging award nominees Citizenship Ceremony • Guest speaker MP Russell Broadbent • Entertainment by Black Notes • Guest speaker Avril van Wamel • Free Meeniyan muffin breakfast and refreshments by the CFA and CWA. Contact: Tarnya Wilson 0427 647 473
· MIRBOO NORTH 10.30am - 11.30am Australia Day Celebration and Morning Tea Baromi Centre, 38 Couper Street, Mirboo North • Awards ceremony acknowledging Mirboo North nominees • Morning tea Contact: Joy Koh 0407 058 638
· TARWIN LOWER 12.00pm - 2.00pm Australia Day BBQ At the long table, Tarwin River Boat Ramp Adults $10, Children age 12 to 18 $5, Children age 11 and under, free • BBQ: Sausages and burgers with onions, bread and salad • River Duck Races • Raffles - drawn on day • Classic and veteran vehicles on display • All proceeds will go to the Tarwin Sharks Netball Club Contact: Lisa Breen 0412 105 004
· VENUS BAY 9.00am - 12.00pm Australia Day Breakfast Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club • Free Australia Day breakfast • Flag raising ceremony • Entertainment • Screening of the new movie Magic Beach (time TBC) Contact: Richard Moore 0408 902 604
· WELSHPOOL 11.00am - 2.00pm Australia Day Family Day Welshpool Park • Free BBQ • Children’s yard games Contact: Madelaine Mason 0409 976 211 Australia Day 2025 EVENT PROGRAM Meeniyan Loch Korumburra Mirboo North Dumbalk Foster Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Kongwak Welshpool These events are supported by South Gippsland Shire Council and the National Australia Day Council.
Additional information
· Wonthaggi Show n'Shine and Swap Meet: THE Wonthaggi Swap Meet and Show ‘N Shine managed by Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club will be held on Australia Day – Sunday, January 26. The largest fundraiser for the club, the event is expected to showcase 250 classic and vintage cars and motorcycles with plenty of giveaways and a raffle at the gate. The annual swap meet will be bigger and better than ever before, providing local vendors and those from further afield with the opportunity to showcase and sell their bric-a-brac, spare parts, and memorabilia to the car enthusiasts in the community. Camping facilities are available for vendors attending the swap meet. Gates will open at 6am for swap meet stall holders to set up, and they will then direct all the classic cars and bikes through before opening the show to the public at 8 am. “All show ‘n shine classics are welcome without pre-registering; cars and drivers are $15 entry, and passengers and pedestrians are $5 per person, under 15 free,” event organiser Kris Baker said. “The judges will be evaluating all classics and late model bikes and cars on display with judging cut off at 9.30pm sharp. Vehicles are welcome to arrive after this time if they don’t wish to be judged.” The categories for the 20245 event include:
• Presidents Choice (Best overall)
• Best Aussie Original
• Best Aussie Muscle
• Best Tuff Street
• Best Hot Rod
• Best Vintage – Pre 1950
• Best Bike
• Best Paint
• Best Interior
• Best Engine Bay
Shannons are again sponsoring the event alongside Tyrepower, Wonthaggi Motorcycles, Greg’s Panels, Matthews Transport and Autopro.
The Wonthaggi Swap Meet and Show ‘N Shine welcomes classic cars and bikes of all eras, from veteran to modern-day models.
In addition to the display of classic vehicles, the event will also feature a variety of food options. Wonthaggi Power will host three separate BBQs catering to breakfast and lunch, complemented by a full canteen, coffee and slushie van.
Kilcunda Lobster Festival
THE community is invited to join the Kilcunda community association for their annual Kilcunda Lobster Festival on the town foreshore on Sunday, January 26 with market stalls, live music, and amusement rides to entertain the entire family.
The first incarnation of the festival was the ‘Back to Kilcunda’ weekend long event held in 1984 as part of Victoria’s 150th anniversary celebrations and the Kilcunda Lobster Festival was born the following year after a good supply of lobster was available from the waters of Kilcunda and from fisherman in San Remo.
Former president of the Kilcunda community association, Andrea Bolch said the town gathered to welcome back past residents, miners, and school students to the town of Kilcunda after the local school was closed – miners would dress in their uniform, community members dressed in period costume – parading down the main street. The three-day event brought people back to the small town, they would partake in a bush dance at the local hall and children would dress up and ride their bikes down the main road.
It’s no longer a three–day event but the annual festival continues again in 2025, welcoming the community to gather and connect, and partaking in the historical spinning wheel remains the highlight of the festival, giving everyone the chance to win a freshly cooked lobster.
The day is 100 per cent run by volunteers who have this year organised 50 market stall holders – showcasing their range of quality food, produce, wine, gin, whiskey, jewellery, clothing, homewares and metal art.
Throughout the day, the crowd will be treated with emergency service displays, children’s face painting and amusement rides from Taylors Amusement. In conjunction with the festival, the YMCA will again be holding their annual skate competition at the foreshore skatepark.
A smoking ceremony by proud Traditional Owner Steven Ulula Parker from Millowl Dreaming will welcome the community to Country.
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Classic Wax and live band The Slowbrew.
“Throughout the day we will be selling lobsters supplied by San Remo Fisherman’s’ Co-Op, as well as lobster lunches and prawn rolls,” said KCA Secretary Stephen Piper.
There is copious undercover seating for patrons to enjoy their meals in.
With the annual event held on the Bass Coast coastline, the association is again working closely with support from Bass Coast Shire Council, and sponsorships from Bendigo Bank and Westernport Water.
The association actively manages waste at the public event with guided waste stations – a system that significantly reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.
“At last year’s festival with the efforts of the volunteers and the Bass Coast Shire Council, we successfully divided organics from recycling with zero contamination,” said Stephen.
“We’re encouraging everyone to bring their own water bottles to re-fill from the Westernport Water hydration stations.”
As part of the waste minimisation drive to reduce the use of single-use plastics, the San Remo Fisherman’s’ Co-op will continue to use reusable containers filled with ice for fresh Lobster delivery.
The spinning wheel will be on the back of the truck - remember each spin always results in one lucky winner walking away with a lovely freshly cooked lobster.
The festival will run from 10am until 3pm on the Kilcunda foreshore on Sunday, January 26.
For more information visit the Kilcunda Lobster Festival on Facebook or visit kilcunda.org.au.
Oz Day at the Daly
NOW in its fourth year Oz Day at the Daly will continue its tradition of showcasing local talent with the addition of Ozone Street to the entertainment line-up.
Ozone Street is a young four piece surfy-blues outfit hailing from Inverloch, Cape Paterson and Kongwak. What started as doing something to fill in time during COVID has turned into a passion; the group now playing at local festivals and getting gigs far and wide. Their sound has been described as “a refreshing blend of vintage blues and surf-inspired melodies” and it is quickly gaining a strong following.
Bass Coast has produced a wealth of local talent and this year sees the return of The Times; a highly rated two piece band from Phillip Island who have played around Australia and overseas.
The line-up is complemented by the very popular 23-year-old singer, song writer and guitarist Imogen Price also from Phillip Island. Together they will provide four hours of musical entertainment catering to a wide range of musical tastes. Local production company Production Corp paired with Bass Coast Sound and Video have again been engaged to provide a first class sound, light and video operation.
The day is all about family fun and while there will be carnival rides and face painting there will also be plenty of games and activities and the very popular tug of war.
The Bass Coast Historic Club will be displaying some of their superbly restored classic cars and the event caters for all ages. The atmosphere is relaxed and though some seating and tables are provided, people are advised to bring their own chairs or picnic rugs.
Activities continue into the evening with the highlight being the fireworks finale at 9.30pm. The quality of the fireworks displays has always been amazing and Fitzpatrick’s Fireworks are again expected to put on another great show. Local residents are reminded to make sure they secure pets and animals that may become distressed by the fireworks.
Oz Day at the Daly is a ticketed family friendly event held at the Dalyston Recreation Reserve on Australia Day. Catered for by the Dalyston Football Netball Club gates open at 4pm with all activities ending after the 9.30pm fireworks display.
The venue is licenced and there is strictly no B.Y.O. alcohol.
Tickets are available through trybooking.com/CYBBX