Published on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 10:14:31 AM
Katherine Town Council has pulled together a full day of Australia Day celebrations on Monday, 26 January 2026, including the Council’s first centenary-inspired event, as we commemorate 100 years since Katherine was annexed as a town.
The 2026 program celebrates local history, salutes community spirit and closes out with a free dip at the new Aquatic Centre. The activities are happening across town from early morning through to late afternoon.
Mayor Joanna Holden said this year’s program is tailored to recognise Katherine’s past and the people who call it home today.
“Australia Day is about understanding where we’ve come from, welcoming new Australians, and celebrating the people who make Katherine such a special place,” Mayor Holden said.
“We’ve designed a program that locals can dip in and out of across the day, whether that’s exploring town through the scavenger hunt, attending the citizenship ceremony, or cooling off together at the pool party.”
From 7:30 am – 12 pm: Family Scavenger Hunt – Katherine through the Ages
The day kicks off with a family-friendly scavenger hunt that invites residents to explore Katherine’s history in a fun, interactive way. Participants can follow a map with a quiz sheet that plots historical sites around town. Full and correct quiz sheets will go into the draw for a major prize.
Registration at the Katherine Club Australia Day Brekky: 7:30 am – 9:30 am, Katherine Club
10 am – 12 pm: Citizenship Ceremony and Citizen of the Year Awards, GYRACC
Council will host its annual Citizenship Ceremony at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre, formally welcoming new Australian citizens and recognising Katherine’s Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year recipients. The ceremony is open to the public.
The ceremony will conclude at around 11.30 am. Unfortunately, the RAAF is unable to conclude the event with a flypast this year due to operational considerations.
12 pm – 3 pm: Australia Day Pool Party – Katherine Aquatic Centre
The celebrations wrap up with a free Australia Day Pool Party at the Katherine Aquatic Centre.
The afternoon will include free pool access, DJ Kiwa and kids' activities, creating a safe, relaxed and welcoming space for families and young people to cool off and connect.
Further details, including how to take part in the scavenger hunt, will be shared closer to Australia Day via the Council’s website and social media channels.
For more information, contact Christine Schindler on 89725500 or Christine.schindler@ktc.nt.gov.au
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