The City of Charles Sturt is home to people from many cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, and it is this diversity that strengthens our City and enriches daily life. We remain committed to a City where everyone feels safe, respected and that they belong. We acknowledge Kaurna Country and pay our respects to Kaurna Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the enduring presence, cultural authority and continuing contribution of First Nations peoples.
We acknowledge that 26 January holds different meanings for different people. For some it is a day of celebration, however for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is a day of reflection, sadness and mourning. We recognise the ongoing impacts of colonisation and the deep hurt this date represents.
Reconciliation requires truth-telling and understanding. A shared future cannot be built on selective history. We encourage our community to engage respectfully in conversations that strengthen understanding, compassion and unity.
For community members wishing to mark the day through reflection and First Nations-led ceremony, we encourage participation in:
Mourning in the Morning / Smoking Ceremony
26 January 2026 | 7:30am – 8:45am
Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama (Karrawirra Parri), Adelaide
A respectful and inclusive ceremony led by South Australian First Nations community leaders. Free event.
Citizenship ceremonies remain important moments of welcome, where we recognise new Australians and celebrate the many cultures and contributions that make the City of Charles Sturt a place that truly means the world.
Our Citizen of the Year Awards will again be part of the January Citizenship Ceremony. Ceremonies will be held on the following dates and locations in early 2026:
- Wednesday, 28 January 2026 - 6.00pm - Woodville Town Hall
- Tuesday, 17 February 2026 - 6.00pm - Woodville Town Hall
- Wednesday, 17 March 2026 - 6.00pm - Woodville Town Hall