General News
23 January, 2026
Shire to mark Australia Day
Here’s what the community can expect across the Central Goldfields Shire as locals pre-pare to celebrate their standout citizens and community groups on Monday.
Central Goldfields Shire Council’s Australia Day celebrations return to Station Domain in Maryborough this year for a highly anticipated morning.
A free breakfast and children’s activities will commence at 8.30 am followed by official proceedings at 9.15 am.
The Australia Day awards — including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Award of the Year — will also be announced.
Central Goldfields Shire Council endorsed the nominees at the December council meeting.
Councillor Liesbeth Long said the Australia Day award ceremony was something special to the shire.
“It recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions of our individuals and groups within our community,” she said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by councillor Grace La Vella.
“We’ve got so many talented and willing people who volunteer for this community and without any expectation,” she said.
Councillor Jake Meyer said the event recognises the effort put in by people across the community.
“I just think this is something that’s very well represented in our shire and it’s great to see so many people get nominated every year for what they do, how much effort they put in, and how much they give back to the Central Goldfields,” he said.
“I take my hat off to all of them and I wish them the best.”
Proceedings will also include a citizenship ceremony, medallions given to new babies born during 2025, and free books presented to children commencing kindergarten in 2026.
Beyond Maryborough, however, Australia Day will be recognised across the shire’s townships.
Bealiba’s ceremony will be held in the community’s town hall starting at 11 am.
Attendees can expect a national anthem and flag raising, short speeches, free barbecue lunch, and a musical performance from local kids.
Carisbrook’s event will be held at the Market Reserve between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm.
The morning will include a free barbecue from the Carisbrook Lions Club, gifts for all attendees, live music, acknowledgment of the shire’s volunteers, and a presentation to winners of the Tilly Aston award for 2026.
Daisy Hill’s Australia Day will be held at the community centre at 11 am.
Dunolly’s Australia Day begins at 10 am and runs until 1 pm. There is expected to be a free breakfast, music from the Goldfields Music Club, a flag raising at 11 am, and guest speakers.
The Talbot RSL Park on Heales Street will host the town’s Australia Day between 8 to 10 am.
Everyone is welcome but are encouraged to bring a cup, plate, knife, and fork plus a chair.
Adelaide Lead’s Australia Day has been cancelled due to weather.