Published on Monday, 2 November 2026 at 1:17:23 PM
The Shire of Ravensthorpe has secured $10,000 through the National Australia Day Council’s Australia Day 2027 Community Events Program to expand its annual Australia Day celebrations.
The funding will support a free, family-friendly festival featuring live music, entertainment and community activities at the Hopetoun foreshore on Tuesday 26 January 2027.
Under the national theme Reflect. Respect. Celebrate., the event will bring residents and visitors together to recognise the contributions of local community members and celebrate the diverse cultures and histories of our community.
Celebrations will begin with the traditional Australia Day Community Breakfast at the Hopetoun Community Centre from 8 am to 10 am.
The morning will include a free breakfast, official proceedings and the presentation of the Shire’s Community Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising the contributions of local residents, volunteers and community groups.
Following the breakfast, celebrations will move to Jim McCulloch Park on the Hopetoun foreshore from 10 am to 2 pm for the Australia Day Community Festival.
The proposed festival program includes live music, a free Aussie barbecue, children’s activities and family-friendly entertainment, with opportunities for local community groups, volunteers and young people to participate.
The Shire is also planning to incorporate culturally appropriate activities, including displays of cultural artwork, to acknowledge the diverse histories and cultures that contribute to our community.
Shire President Rachel Gibson said the expanded celebrations would also provide an opportunity to showcase the Fitzgerald Coast during one of the region's busiest holiday periods.
“Australia Day in Hopetoun has always been a special occasion for our community, and this additional funding will allow us to build on that tradition,” Cr Gibson said.
“January is a wonderful time to visit, with our beautiful beaches attracting holidaymakers and our campgrounds bustling with visitors. We want to make the most of this busy period by offering something extra for locals and visitors to enjoy.
“We’re looking forward to providing more activities and entertainment for people of all ages, while bringing our community together to reflect and celebrate.”
The grant funding will complement the Shire’s existing Australia Day budget and support additional entertainment, activities and event promotion.
Planning is underway, with the Shire working alongside local community organisations, entertainers, suppliers and volunteers to finalise the program.
Further details will be announced in the lead-up to Australia Day.
The Shire of Ravensthorpe acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council in making the expanded celebrations possible.
Back to All News