Celebrate Australia Day in West Wimmera Shire

Published on 08 January 2026

West Wimmera Shire will celebrate Australia Day 2026 with a series of community events across the region.

Mayor Tim Meyer encouraged residents to join in the festivities.

"Australia Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of our community and come together to acknowledge the people who make West Wimmera such a wonderful place to live,” he said.

“I invite everyone to head along to the events and share in the spirit of the day."

Each event will feature an address by an Australia Day Ambassador, sharing inspiring stories and messages with the community.

In Dergholm, the celebrations will be at the Dergholm and District Soldiers’ Memorial Hall from 11am.

A free barbecue lunch will be provided, complemented by music from Nathan “Skunk” Gill, and an address from former VFL player John Mossops, who grew up on a family farm near Penola and played 134 games for Geelong and 37 for North Melbourne.

In Edenhope, events will commence at 11am at the Edenhope Bowling Club with a free barbecue lunch.

Visitors can enjoy kite flying at Lake Wallace with the Edenhope Kite Flying Group, followed by barefoot bowls hosted by the Edenhope Lions Club and Bowling Club.

Live music will be performed by Rob Tuncks and Sing Australia.

Australia Day Ambassador Emma Kealy, Member for Lowan, will address the community, reflecting on her lifelong connection to Edenhope and her work supporting regional communities.

Goroke celebrations will begin at 8am at the Goroke Memorial Hall with a barbecue breakfast, entertainment from Poppy Moyle Reid, and a shared morning tea.

In Harrow, the Johnny Mullagh Reserve will host the community from 11am with a shared barbecue lunch.

Entertainment will be provided by Jessie Ferguson, and the community will hear from Australia Day Ambassador Alan Perry, retiring Harrow police officer after 52 years of service.

In Kaniva, celebrations will start at 8am at the Kaniva Swimming Pool, with a barbecue breakfast available for a gold coin donation and live music from Sarah Hinge.

Australia Day Ambassador Bill Hoskins, a former Victorian policeman who spent five years stationed in Kaniva, will speak about his connection to rural communities.

These events provide an opportunity for communities across the shire to come together, celebrate local achievements, and enjoy the spirit of Australia Day.