This Australia Day, reflect, respect and celebrate with our community with a range of events scheduled across the Bathurst Region.
Mayor Cr Robert Taylor encouraged the community to come along to the Citizenship and Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Monday 26 January, as well as to get involved in the great array of activities held across the region throughout the weekend.
“We look forward to welcoming our newest Australian citizens to the Bathurst Region this Australia Day, as well as celebrating the extensive achievements of our local community members. Held at BMEC on 26 January from 9:30am, our Citizenship and Australia Day Awards Ceremony is a brilliant occasion that celebrates our strong sense of community here in Bathurst.
“We are incredibly proud to have Ms Catriona Rowntree joining us for these ceremonies as Bathurst’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2026. You may know Ms Rowntree as the ‘Queen of Travel’ for her prolific career as the host of Australia’s longest running travel program ‘Getaway’. She is one of the country’s most loved television personalities, inspiring audiences with her passion for storytelling and adventure. As a strong advocate for rural communities, through her new program ‘Find My Country Home’ and her committed role as ambassador for Landcare Australia and supporter of Australian Wool Innovation, I very much look forward to sharing a cuppa and welcoming her to our great city of Bathurst.
“Plus, with Australia Day falling on a Monday and creating a long weekend this year, why not make the most of it and explore the region! Kicking off the weekend on Saturday 24 January, Council is putting on a free outdoor cinema in Kings Parade. Bring the family along to enjoy the iconic Australian film Red Dog (PG) under the stars. Pack a picnic, or grab takeaway from your favourite local restaurant, settle in, and enjoy the show from 7.30pm. There’ll also be $2 entry, a BBQ and water activities at Manning Aquatic Centre from 11am on Monday 26 January, as well as a free community BBQ in Wattle Flat. So, make sure you head out and soak up the weekend.
“Council is fortunate to be assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council this year, ensuring a packed weekend of vibrant activities across the region,” commented Mayor Taylor.
What’s on when this Australia Day:
Saturday 24 January 2026
Outdoor Cinema – Movie screening of Red Dog (PG)
Time:Movie starts at 7.30pm
Location:Kings Parade
Monday 26 January 2026
Citizenship Ceremony
Time: 9.30am
Location: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre City Hall
Australia Day Awards Ceremony
Time: 11.00am
Location: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre City Hall
Australia Day by the Pool
Time: 11.00am – 5.30pm
Location: Manning Aquatic Centre
- $2 entry
- Free inflatable pool toys
- BBQ
- Water activities conducted by pool staff
Australia Day at the Villages
Free BBQ and community event/activities
Time: Various
Locations:
- Wattle Flat
- Other villages TBC
For updates and further information, head to Council’s website: https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Events/Australia-Day
