Published on 11 January 2024
Events for the whole family this Australia Day
Free breakfasts, a family fair with fireworks, Australia Day awards and a warm welcome for Australia’s newest citizens headline Onkaparinga’s 2024 Australia Day events.
Australia Day free breakfasts
You’re invited to free Australia Day breakfasts hosted by the City of Onkaparinga on Friday 26 January.
These family-friendly feasts will be held at three locations from 8am to 11am:
- Noarlunga Centre – Ramsay Place
- Happy Valley – Happy Valley Sports Park
- Willunga – Centenary Park, Binney Road.
Along with entertainment and activities for the children, enjoy mixing with the community and reflecting on the history and diversity of Onkaparinga.
Bring along a picnic rug or chair for maximum comfort and watch the flag-raising ceremony at 9am.
Australia Day Family Fair and fireworks
In the evening, come and enjoy Onkaparinga’s Australia Day Family Fair at the South Adelaide Football Club in Noarlunga Downs.
The activities are as thrilling or sedate as you dare: virtual reality, rock climbing, lawn games, face painting, pedal karts, Animals Anonymous and a dinosaurs puppet show.
You can also watch the great acts on stage: the wild beats of the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, the lyrical tones of Fleurieu singer songwriter Amber Sheen, and the feet-moving music of kids’ entertainers Bop Till You Drop and party band Wildside.
Or you can wander around the markets and food stalls, taking your pick of anything from henna tattoos and clay creations to Dutch pancakes and loaded potatoes.
To top the night off, stay for a breathtaking display of fireworks.
Remember to bring picnic blankets and chairs so you can fully enjoy the whole evening.
The fair runs from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony
In a ceremony earlier in the day, Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Weir will announce this year’s Australia Day Awards winners.
The Australia Day Awards recognise local individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to Onkaparinga during the year. This year, there were 17 nominations in four award categories:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Community Event of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year.
Following the awards, 100 Onkaparinga residents will be welcomed as Australian citizens when they pledge their commitment to Australia.
They will receive native Australian plants from the council’s nursery, with the children carrying away Australian-made plush toys.
The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held at the Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga Centre, from 10.30am. Attendance is by invitation only, given space limitations.
For more information on any of the events, please contact (08) 8384 0666.
City of Onkaparinga’s Australia Day events
Australia Day free breakfasts
8am to 11am
Three locations:
Noarlunga Centre (Ramsay Place)
Happy Valley (Happy Valley Sports Park)
Willunga (Centenary Park, Binney Road)
Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony
10.30am
Hopgood Theatre, Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre (by invitation)
Australia Day Family Fair and fireworks
5.30pm to 9.30pm
South Adelaide Football Club, Lovelock Drive, Noarlunga Downs