Published on 21 January 2026
A full weekend of activities at the Botanic Park is planned for our residents and visitors to join with the community to celebrate Australia Day 2026.
Saturday’s event, Horse Power in the High Country returns for its fourth year of fundraising for Mansfield Autism Statewide Services. Over 200 cars will be welcomed by the Delatite Drivers Car Club to form one of regional Victoria’s largest show-n-shine events. Teamed up with live music, giant waterslides, food trucks and drinks it is a great event for the whole family from 10am – 2pm.
Australia Day celebrations will commence at 8.30 am on Monday, 26 January, providing an opportunity for residents to come together with family, friends and the wider community to reflect, respect and celebrate being part of our nation’s story.
Australia Day is also a time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made to our community by all those who have chosen to make Australia their home.
This year’s celebrations will include:
free BBQ breakfast prepared by Mansfield Rotary Club
announcement of our Citizen Award winners
speeches by Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, State Member for Indi, Cindy McLeish and our Australia Day Ambassador, Marly Kelleher
Citizenship Ceremony and Affirmation and
free entertainment by the Mansfield and District (MAD) Orchestra.
Mansfield Shire Councillors will announce the winners of the annual Citizen Awards, which recognise the outstanding dedication and achievements of individuals and groups within our community. A strong field of nominations has been received across all categories, including:
Senior Citizen of the Year: Marg Attley OAM, Pamela Dalgleish, Andrew Merlo and Trish Morris
Citizen of the Year: Bess Gillard, Louise Hopwood, David Mims, Linda Terry, Haley Tudor-Harrop and Daryle Williams
Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Andrews
Community Group or Organisation of the Year: Goughs Bay Progress Association, Mansfield Armchair Cinema, Mansfield & District Basketball Association, MAD Potters
Community Event of the Year: Jamieson Autumn Festival, Mansfield Agricultural Society Show, Opera on High
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the Shire is incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly to make a positive difference.
“These awards recognise and celebrate the commitment, generosity and passion of those who contribute so much to the strength and wellbeing of our community,” Cr Rabie said.
“Another key highlight of the day is the Citizenship Ceremony, during which seven community members will officially become Australian citizens. Each brings unique skills, experiences and cultural perspectives that further enrich our community.”
“Australian citizenship is a powerful bond that unites us all and helps foster a cohesive, inclusive and connected nation. I am proud to welcome our new citizens from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Fiji, Germany and Canada, and I wish each of them every success in this new chapter of their lives,” the Mayor said.
In closing, Cr Rabie encouraged all residents to participate in the Australia Day celebrations and take time to reflect on the meaning of Australian citizenship—our shared values, our national history, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
To learn more about Australia Day by visiting www.australiaday.org.au or the events section of Council’s website - mansfield.vic.gov.au/events