Australia Day -2026 - Boolarra

Another great Australia Day celebration at Railway Park in Boolarra with around 150 people turning out to enjoy the mild weather, an egg and bacon sandwich and a chance to have a chin wag with friends they do not run into often.

The volunteers on the BBQ started at 8am to ensure the hungry masses were very well catered for. Big thank you to members of Boolarra Community Development Group for feeding everyone breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausages, vegetarian burgers were enjoyed by all.

The crowd members were kept on their toes by Australiana Trivia Questions provided by Robert Franssen.

There were seven nominations for the Community Recognition Awards this year. This reflects the enthusiasm people have for being able to have their friends’ efforts formally acknowledged in front of an audience of their peers. Once again it was a terrific range of recipients this year, with a number of the quiet achievers acknowledged, along with a number of people who have been closely involved.

Cr Leanne Potter arrived from her prior commitments at Churchill and Yinnar and spoke of the significance of Australia Day, and the values it represents, and how these are reflected in our community and the strength of the community spirit within Boolarra.

We then had the raising of the flag.

Congratulations to the following recipients in recognition of their significant contribution to the Boolarra community:

Doug Black - Boolarra Community Development Group over 20 years service 
Liz Black - Boolarra Memorial hall
Callum Olivier - Boolarra community activities and town Christmas decorations 
Juliette Olivier - Boolarra community activities and town Christmas decorations
Denise Warne - Boolarra community activities and town Christmas decorations
Denise Schiller - Helping in the community
Rhonda Keegan - Grants co ordinator for Boolarra community development group

L- R Liz Black, Denise Oliver, Juliette Oliver, Doug Black, Callum Oliver, Rhonda Keegan, Denise Schiller, Leanne Potter