Wattle Range residents are invited to come together at free Australia Day breakfast events across the Council area, celebrating the community, recognising outstanding local achievements and welcoming new Australian citizens.
Australia Day breakfasts and ceremonies will be held in Beachport, Penola, Millicent and Glencoe.
Citizen of the Year Award recipients will be formally recognised at Council’s Australia Day Breakfast events on Monday 26 January 2026, providing the wider community with an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of individuals who make a positive difference across Wattle Range.
Nominations for the Citizen of the Year Awards have now closed, with a strong field of high-quality nominations received from across the Council area. Award recipients are currently being selected by an independent Selection Panel comprising the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and past Citizen of the Year Award recipients.
This year, Council has aligned its Citizen of the Year Awards with the guidelines of the Australia Day Council of South Australia. Awards are now presented as whole of council ‘Wattle Range Council Citizen of the Year Awards’ rather than individual ward-based awards. Celebrations will continue in each ward, with all recipients announced at every breakfast, and certificates presented in the ward where the recipient resides.
Council’s Director of Development Services, Emma Clay acknowledged that some community members may be unsure about the change to the awards, but said the updated approach offers clear benefits.
“This gives all residents the opportunity to hear about the achievements of every recipient, not just those from their own ward,” she said.
“Many volunteers contribute across multiple communities, and this approach creates a more competitive process while enhancing the credibility and prestige of the awards.”
The Millicent Australia Day Breakfast will also include a citizenship ceremony for five conferees.
Mayor Des Noll said the Australia Day breakfasts are about more than formal proceedings.
“These events are an opportunity to connect as a community, recognise what brings us together and look with optimism toward the future we are building side by side,” Mayor Noll said.
“Australia Day belongs to every Australian, regardless of background, culture or perspective. Our diversity strengthens us, and our willingness to come together as a community is something to be proud of.”
Further details about Australia Day breakfasts and award ceremonies in Beachport, Penola, Millicent and Glencoe, along with an additional event in Tantanoola will be provided closer to the date.
Wattle Range Council Citizen of the Year Award recipients will be announced early in the New Year.
Council encourages all residents to attend an Australia Day event and celebrate the people and community of Wattle Range together.
See further 2026 information regarding Australia Day Celebrations Across Wattle Range