22 December 2025: The Australia Day Council of South Australia has today released the 2026 Australia Day FREE event program. The diverse and inclusive event line up reminds us we each share a part of our country’s story and provides a platform to think about what being Australian means to you on our national day.
Australia Day Council of South Australia CEO, Jan Chorley, said she hopes the breadth of the event program allows every South Australian a space to connect to their place in a way that is meaningful for them, and to reflect on the shared responsibility we hold for the land, cultures and stories that shape us.
“Australia Day gives us a moment to pause and consider the many threads that shape who we are; from the world’s oldest living cultures to those who have only recently made Australia home. It is an opportunity to deepen our connection to nature and to Country, and to recognise that our stories continue to evolve. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, one thing remains clear: we love our country — its beauty, its diversity and the people who give it life. I hope that this year’s program invites every South Australian to reflect on their place here, honour our shared past and look forward with respect, inclusivity and optimism,” Ms Chorley said.
Held at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on the banks of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, Australia Day will be marked through two bookend hero events: Mourning in the Morning and the Aus Lights Program in the evening.
Mourning in the Morning is a respectful, inclusive First Nations–led ceremony, shaped by South Australian Aboriginal leaders and grounded in the Our Continuing Story conversation. All Australians are welcome to come together in reflection. The gathering includes a Welcome to Kaurna Country followed by a smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner, with First Nations speakers, contemporary musicians, dancers and immersive activities.
Aus Lights on the River returns that evening with a vibrant, inclusive celebration that kicks off at 5pm. Enjoy multicultural cuisine from across the globe, epic vision and sound installations and a family-friendly line up. The Council’s overarching theme of Respect. Reflect. Celebrate will be brought to life by the 2026 event theme Our Continuous Story which will be visually represented by large-scale Australian bird installations, shadow-puppet storytelling, creative workshops for children and roving performers, to name a few.
The Aus Lights Parade kicks off at 6pm, with more than 50 South Australian multicultural and community organisations moving in a celebratory procession showcasing their diversity and the stories of becoming or being Australian. These community performers will then warm up the main stage in readiness for the Official Ceremony, with headline acts including 2019 Winner of The Voice Australia, Diana Rouvas, the Festival Statesmen Choir, Young Adelaide Voices and musical collaborations with the Adelaide Youth Orchestra. The night finishes off with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9.30pm, with a lighting installation along the northern bank and Adelaide Riverbank precinct and cool tunes from DJ Tommy Tequila seeing you through to the event finish at 11pm.
Both Mourning in the Morning and Aus Lights on the River are assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, the City of Adelaide, and supported by the Government of South Australia. Mourning in the Morning Key Event partners SA Power Networks Community Support Partners include Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, SDA, , Sofitel Adelaide, Galipo Food Company and the South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre. For full program details, visit www.australiadaysa.com.au/aus-lights-2026 ENDS.
FACT SHEET
EVENT: AUSTRALIA DAY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2026
PRESENTED BY: Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA)
DATE: Monday 26 January 2026
LOCATION: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama & King William Street, Adelaide
THEME: Belonging to Nature (under the overarching theme of Respect. Reflect. Celebrate.)
CONTEXT: Our Continuing Story – acknowledging the diversity of stories that shape our national identity
& what Australia means to you
MEDIA ASSETS: here
SPOKESPEOPLE:
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NAME |
TITLE |
TOPICS |
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Jan Chorley |
Australia Day Council of South Australia CEO & official spokesperson |
Event Program Launch |
CONNECT WITH US
Website - https://australiadaysa.com.au/aus-lights-2026/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/australiadaysa
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaDaySA/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Australiadaysa/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/AustraliaDaySA
PARTNERS & SUPPORT:
- Both Mourning in the Morning and Aus Lights on the River are assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, the City of Adelaide, and supported by the Government of South Australia.
- Mourning in the Morning Key Event Partner SA Power Networks Community Support Partners: Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, SDA, , Sofitel Adelaide, Galipo Food Company, South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Altus Traffic.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mourning in the Morning
Time: 7.30am – 8.45am
Location: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama
A respectful and inclusive First Nations–led ceremony shaped by South Australian Aboriginal leaders.
Event includes:
- Welcome to Kaurna Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner
- First Nations speakers
- Contemporary music and dance
21 Gun Salute
Time: 12.00pm – 12.15pm
Location: Torrens Parade Ground
A traditional 21 Gun Salute
Aus Lights on the River
Time: 5.00pm – 11.00pm
Location: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama
- Aus Lights on the River is a free, vibrant and inclusive evening celebration featuring multicultural cuisine, family activities, immersive light and sound experiences and staged performances.
- Large-scale bird installations, shadow-puppet storytelling, creative workshops for children, roving performers, immersive light and sound experiences and multicultural food offerings.
- The Official Ceremony, Fireworks Finale and Northern Bank Lighting Display are all part of this major evening program.
From sunset - Lighting display along the northern bank
6.00pm – 7.00pm - Aus Lights Parade
7.15pm – 8.15pm - Community performers on the main stage
8.30pm – 9.30pm Official Ceremony featuring Diana Rouvas (2019 winner of The Voice Australia), Festival Statesmen Choir, Young Adelaide Voices and musical collaborations with the Adelaide Youth Orchestra
9.30pm – 9.40pm - Fireworks Finale over the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri and an illuminated northern bank light show
9.40pm – 11.00pm - DJ set closing the event
Contact details:
