Australia Day plans are bigger and better this year right across the region, with a big splash and lots of creativity in Armidale, Gunnedah getting competitive with everything from a triathlon to trivia, and Tamworth giving an extra day of TCMF action as well as ensuring all the villages get involved.
ARMIDALE
Armidale region’s Australia Day Awards will make a big splash this year with recognition of local heroes and celebrations planned for a big beach party at Dumaresq Dam.
Locals will be honoured for their outstanding contributions to community service from 10.30am until 12 noon on Monday January 26, while citizenship ceremonies will also see pledges of loyalty and celebration of national identity. Every year the Australia Day Council of New South Wales awards outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the community. This year awards will be announced in the areas of community service, sport person of the year, art, drama or music, environmental citizen or group of the year, community group and community event of the year, young citizen, senior or elder and the 2026 citizen of the year.
Everyone is encouraged to come along for a fun day of community culture and then plenty of fun by the water at the beach party.
There will be kids’ games, a rowing demonstration, guided cultural walk and tree planting and a free barbecue and ice cream. Free return bus services from 9.30am will operate from the visitor information centre in town to Dumaresq Dam. Locals are encouraged to bring family and friends and enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in the region.
Anaiwan woman and artist Aunty Sharon Cutmore will create a stunning earth artwork as part of the celebrations. She hopes people join her on the day and be part of what she is creating.
“When I was young and growing up in Armidale, we used to come to Dumaresq Dam for family gatherings, so it will be special to return there and make the artwork together and my mum will be coming out to watch, which will make it even more memorable.”
GUNNEDAH
There will also be more embracing the Aussie spirit at Gunnedah Shire’s annual celebrations, where mateship and community pride come together.
In the lead-up to the big day, on January 25, there will be an Australia Day trivia quiz at the Gunnedah Golf Club, followed by a chess challenge and bowls triples competition later the same day.
On January 26, the day will kick off with a triathlon, Rotary barbecue brunch, athletics events, a touch football game and a fast-paced dash for cash.
The Shire will also come together under the gums at Anzac Park from 8:30am for a church service, to welcome new Australian citizens, and announce the 2026 Australia Day Award winners.
There will be free entry to the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex and Gunnedah Rural Museum will open its doors.
Council’s Australia Day Working Group Chair Councillor Rob Hooke said the packed program had something for everyone.
“Australia Day is a fantastic time for our community to come together and enjoy the great outdoors and our wonderful facilities,” Cr Hooke said.
“There are lots of ways to get involved, so come along and enjoy some family fun.”
TAMWORTH
People right across the Tamworth Region will have a range of bumper events they can attend this Australia Day, from morning barbecues through to an evening concert.
The concert, with a full lineup to be announced, along with fireworks will round out the 2026 Australia Day events on Monday 26 January and provides an extra excuse for visitors to stay another night in the region following the conclusion of the Toyota 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival the day prior.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said he was thrilled to see so many events being held across the region.
“It’s a chance for our towns and villages to come together for a moment of reflection and also celebration,” Mayor Webb said.
Australia Day Awards ceremonies will be held at Tamworth, Barraba, Manilla and Nundle, to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
The Tamworth ceremony will also incorporate the Citizenship Ceremony where 97 new residents will be welcomed into the community, close to double the number of previous years.
A full list of events across the Tamworth region for Australia Day include Barraba, with the Barraba Australia Day Awards taking place from 6pm at the Barraba Golf Club. There will also be a barbecue and live entertainment.
Other events include:
- Bendemeer – The Bendemeer Hotel will host an official ceremony, entertainment and games from 10am until 4pm.
- Kootingal – The Kootingal and District Lions Club will coordinate a breakfast in Memory Park at 8am followed by an Australia Day Address, games and live entertainment.
- Manilla – The Manilla Matters S355 committee have organised a fun morning for all at the Manilla Memorial Swimming Pool. Enjoy breakfast at 8am, followed by the Australia Day awards ceremony and kids’ activities from 9am.
- Nundle – Nundle will hold an Australia Day awards ceremony as well as live entertainment at the Nundle Bowling Club from 7pm.
- Tamworth – A Church Service will be held at 10am at the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall followed by the Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards from 11am. Then a barbecue lunch at 12.30pm before the 7pm concert at Bicentennial Park and fireworks at 9pm.
- Woolomin – Join the Woolomin Wombats Cricket Team at the Woolomin Recreation Reserve for a great day of social cricket and a barbecue breakfast from 9am.
The Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said Australia Day is a great time to celebrate being part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values every citizen.
“People around our state are encouraged to attend community festivals, attend cultural performances, charity events or share a meal with neighbours on this special day.”
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