As Australia Day 2026 approaches, Australians are encouraged to visit www.australiaday.org.au to find local events and plan their day.
Australia Day, on 26 January, is when we reflect on the best of Australians, the stories that inspire us and our shared future which unites us.
The Australian Government has provided $10 million in financial support for a record number of Australia Day 2026 events. With 862 capital city and community events being held, there is something for everyone in every state and territory.
There has been a 19 per cent increase in the number of supported Australia Day community events since the 2025 events program. There are 842 events in our suburbs and in rural, regional and remote communities. Funding will also go towards 20 iconic events in capital cities.
The Australian Government has provided financial support for over 3,000 Australia Day events around the country since 2021. This year’s offering of events is the highest since the program began.
Each event supported by the National Australia Day Council now includes specific elements to ensure their events are inclusive, such as having Auslan interpreters, ramp hires, accessible amenities or providing quiet spaces.
The program provides $10,000 grants to help communities hold accessible and inclusive Australia Day events, and an additional $5,000 for events that include significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
In 2026, for the first time, the program has offered a new $2,000 grant. Assisting organisations to top up their budgets or cover the costs of a smaller event. Allowing more organisations, 17 per cent of applicants, to access financial support for their events.
With the introduction of smaller grants in this year’s celebrations, more local community events are eligible for support. Meaning no matter how large or small your community, you can come together this Australia Day.
The grants program is supporting everything from a barbecue at Campbelltown Meals on Wheels, to Kirra Surf Life Saving Club’s water safety Australia Day activities.
No matter where you live or how you recognise Australia Day, these events bring our communities and our country together.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman:
“This Australia Day, there is a wide variety of events that will make you proud to be an Australian, and you can find the one that is right for you at www.australiaday.org.au.”
“Australia is known around the world as a welcoming and caring nation. Australia Day is about the story of who we are as a nation and who we aspire to be. Australians embody the values of bravery, care and support for one another.”
“Our Government is proud to be supporting 862 inclusive events that provide opportunities for Australia to come together for our nation and our future.”
“Every single day Australians show their love of this nation in their actions. We volunteer, we look out for our neighbours, we work to provide essential services and we see Australians bravely save the lives of their fellow citizens.”
“Australia Day is an opportunity to again commit ourselves to an Australia where everyone feels safe and can be proud of who they are.”
“The best of the Australian spirit will be on show across the nation, and we pride ourselves on the open, diverse and inclusive society we have chosen to build.”