Australia Day

Australia Day is a time to reflect on our journey, identity, and future as a nation. Based on feedback from the community and staff, we’ve made some changes to enhance the celebrations.

Key Changes:

1. Award Nominations: We are streamlining the process by reducing the categories from 12 across 10 events to 5 categories in one annual ceremony. This change aims to increase the significance and prestige of the awards. The single award ceremony will be held in the town of the previous Citizen of the Year winner, with Moranbah hosting in 2025. Nominations close on 30 November 2024.

2. Community Sponsorship: Council is introducing a $14,000 Community Sponsorship Pool for not-for-profits and community groups to apply for funding to host Australia Day events. Each of our 17 unique communities can apply for up to $1,000 to enhance their local celebrations. The funding pool closes on 30 November 2024.

Despite these changes, popular activities such as the triathlon, free pool entry, and Council-supported events will remain unchanged. These adjustments aim to reduce the corporate aspect of the day and focus more on community involvement and celebration.