Australia Day Celebrations 2025
Published on 17 January 2025
A full weekend of activities at Mansfield Botanic Park is planned for our residents and visitors to join with the community to celebrate Australia Day 2025.
On Saturday 25 January, Horse Power in the High Country runs from 10am to 2pm, returning for its third year to raise funds for Mansfield Autism Statewide Services. Over 200 cars will be welcomed by the Delatite Drivers Car Club to form one of regional Victoria’s largest show-n-shine events. With live music, giant waterslides, food trucks and drinks, it’s a great event for the whole family.
Australia Day celebrations starting at 8.30 am on Sunday 26 January will provide an opportunity to join family, friends and community to reflect, respect and celebrate being part of our nation’s story. The event is a chance to reflect on our shared history, including the unique history and culture of our First Nations people, and to acknowledge the contributions made to our community by all those who have chosen to make Australia their home.
Sunday’s event will also include the announcement of our Citizen Award winners, speeches by Mayor Cr Steve Rabie and our Australia Day Ambassador Arthur Gerrans, a flag raising and Citizenship Ceremony, Affirmation ceremony and free entertainment will be provided by the Mansfield and District (MAD) Orchestra.
Mansfield Shire Councillors will announce the winners of our annual Citizen Awards, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our local achievers. Several strong nominations have been received in each category. This year’s nominees are:
- Senior Citizen of the Year: Bob and Rhonda Carpenter, Graeme Stoney and Chris Wilson
- Citizen of the Year: Liam Delaney, Rolf Koren and Ian Mallyon
- Young Citizen of the Year: Ayshia Beekman, Dekoda Beekman and Ella Crathern
- Community Group or Organisation of the Year: Mansfield and District (MAD) Orchestra, Friends of Mansfield Library and West Gippsland Relic Mining and Heritage Protection Inc
- Community Event of the Year: Mansfield Hunting and Fishing Expo
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Mansfield Shire is incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals and groups who work tirelessly to make a positive impact on our community.
“The Citizen Awards celebrate their unwavering commitment and the significant contributions they make to the community and to the lives of those around them."
"We also look forward to welcoming five of our community members as they become Australian citizens. Each of them brings unique skills and cultural perspectives that will further enrich our community."
“Australian citizenship allows us to fully participate in our community and democracy, helping to foster a cohesive, inclusive, and unified nation. I am proud to welcome our new citizens, who come from the Philippines, the UK, Nepal and New Zealand. I wish each and every one of them the best in this new stage in their lives.
“I also encourage everyone to participate in the Australia Day activities and to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Australian citizenship: our shared values, our national history, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and our ability to join together as one community.
The Australia Day events are jointly funded by Mansfield Shire Council and the National Australia Day Council’s Community Grants Program.
To learn more about Australia Day visit www.australiaday.org.au or the events section of our website.