Three South Coast organisations have received $80,000 in funding from the National Australia Day Council, supported by the Australian Government, to hold local community events promoting inclusion for Australia Day.

After a difficult few years, Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP is delighted to see the community once again coming together in respect, reflection and commemoration to celebrate our local community spirit.

The Rotary Club of Batemans Bay, Jervis Bay Marine Rescue and Kiama Municipal Council all received grants to hold local community events celebrating culture, community and connection, as part of this year’s theme to Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.

Local events will focus on Indigenous recognition and cultural displays, as well as welcoming new citizens and celebrating our community as part of the day.

“I say it all the time – my favourite thing about the South Coast is our enduring and inspiring community spirit, and as we come together in unity tomorrow, I know that spirit will be on full display,” Fiona Phillips MP said.

“Inclusion, respect and connection must be our focus, and I am really pleased to see these organisations putting those values first,”

“I am absolutely delighted that the Australian Government continues to support regional areas like ours to hold events that are important to us,” she said.

This year, the Albanese Government has worked to make events on Australia Day more inclusive and accessible to all Australians.

Each event supported by the National Australia Day Council (NADC) now includes specific elements to ensure their events are inclusive such as having Auslan interpreters, ramp hires, accessible amenities or providing quiet spaces.

This builds on the incredible advocacy of the 2023 Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott.

Successful hosts received up to $20,000 to deliver inclusive events that incorporate the message of ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. We’re all part of the story’. Those working with First Nations communities to incorporate and celebrate their local history and culture received up to an additional $10,000.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on the history of our country and consider how we can all move forward together in a way that is respectful and considerate. I am pleased to see so many local events and community organisations working hard to strike that balance this year,” Fiona Phillips said.   

Fiona Phillips encouraged all local people to consider how they can join with their community in respect and reflection this Australia Day.

The NADC’s Australia Day Community Grants program is supported by the Australian Government.

For more information visit australiaday.org.au.    

A list of grant recipients in the Gilmore electorate is below: