Australia Day 2026 - Yinnar

The Yinnar and District Community Association hosted the Australia Day Celebration at Centenary Park. The event was well attended, with approximately 100 residents and guests present. After the 1st Yinnar Scouts raised the flag, the Australian National Anthem was sung, followed by Henry, Harry and Daisy from Yinnar Primary School giving their take on “What is Australia Day?”

The two official guests were Councillor Darren Howe and Councillor Leanne Potter, with Councillor Potter offering some concise words on the impact of volunteering and also more broadly on the mistakes of the past, but the excitement and prospect of a bright future together as one inclusive and diverse community.

There were two awards issued by the Yinnar and District Community Association Awards committee. Sage Jobling was awarded Yinnar Young Citizen of the Year for all her volunteer work in Kurnai College and in the community.

Graeme O’Hara was awarded Yinnar Citizen of the Year, for all the volunteer work Graeme has done for the community over the years. Graeme was President of the Ratepayers association for 25 Years and the Yinnar Greenside Villas retirement Village for 14 years, having stepped down from both roles last year upon turning 80.

The Yinnar Lions Club provided a fantastic egg and bacon sandwich breakfast while Australian classic songs played in the background. The Yinnar Pub held a special event, with free BBQ and live music in the afternoon, to raise money for the local community food bank.