Australia Day – Survival Day 2024
Published on 29 January 2024
Council extends a big thank you to residents for taking part in our Australia Day – Survival Day community event.
The day included a moving Welcome to Country by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, a citizenship and awards ceremony, a Survival Day concert, and catering courtesy of local businesses.
In 2018, under the leadership of Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, Council made the decision to formally dual name events held on 26 January as Australia Day – Survival Day, acknowledging the issue of how celebrations on this day impact First Nations people, and to provide a platform for education and healing through truth-telling.
Council recognises that 26 January is a day of mourning for many First Nations people, and respects their right to mourn as well as their right to celebrate survival.
The Survival Day concert featured local performances programmed by Uncle Rick, who was also the emcee.
Council would like to say a big thank you to everyone who performed:
- Jason Kerr and Young Jason Kerr
- Trace Balla and Andrew McSweeney
- Kinja
- Gianni Boragine
- Allara & Olenka
- Bart Willoughby and Fadil Suna.
- Nalderun Women’s Cleansing Ceremony
- Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band.
Council would also like to thank the local businesses and community groups who provided catering:
- Murnong Mammas
- Konjo Mama
- Icecream Republic
- Castlemaine Rotary.
2024 Australia Day Awards
Council is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Australia Day Awards.
The awards were presented at the Australia Day – Survival Day community event in Castlemaine on Friday 26 January.
Congratulations to the 2024 winners:
Citizen on the Year – Debbie Hamilton
Young Citizen of the Year – Claire Mitchell
Senior Citizen of the Year – Barb Templar
Community Event of the Year – Taradale Mineral Springs Festival
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their incredible work in the community,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“We’re so lucky to have such passionate and dedicated people in Mount Alexander Shire, and I’d like to thank the winners for their hard work and generosity.
Along with the presentation of the Australia Day Awards, 6 people took the pledge to become Australian citizens at the community event (pictured with Mayor Driscoll).
“A big congratulations and welcome to everyone who received their Australian citizenship today,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“Our shire is an incredibly welcoming and open place, and I’m sure you’ll see friendly faces everywhere you go.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Matthew Driscoll, welcomed the community to the event, acknowledging that 26 January means different things to different people.
“It's essential to recognize the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this date, especially for our First Nations people,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“26 January is a day that evokes a mix of emotions, a day of celebration for some, but also a day of mourning for many in our community.
“Australia Day – Survival Day serves as a starting point for reflection, education, and healing. It acknowledges the impact of celebrations on this day on our First Nations people and encourages us all to engage in truth-telling.
“It's an opportunity for our community to come together, embracing the diversity of our shared history – from the enduring connection of First Nations people to the newest citizens as we all contribute to the fabric of our society.
“Let us celebrate Australia Day – Survival Day together, acknowledging the past and embracing a shared future as we walk this journey together.”
Read more about our 2024 Australia Day Award winners:
Citizen of the Year - Debbie Hamilton
Debbie has been a kind and passionate community members who has shown so much dedication over the years.
She has been involved with the Camp Reserve Community Asset Committee and has been the secretary of the Castlemaine Show for 37 years. She is also a key committee member for some of Castlemaine’s most iconic events, such as the Castlemaine Show and the April Feature Show.
Debbie was awarded a Distinguished Service Award with the Victorian Clydesdale Horse Society for her promotion of the Clydesdale breed by organising the annual April Castlemaine Mare, Filly and Foal Show.
Young Citizen of the Year – Claire Mitchell
Claire is an active volunteer, demonstrating leadership and commitment to her community.
She presents (and excels at!) a breakfast radio show on MainFM. Claire presents her show every Thursday morning from 7.30am to 8.30am before school.
She’s demonstrated her leadership by representing a young person’s perspective and giving young people a voice in the community. She discusses issues that are relevant to local young people, inspiring other young women who may feel afraid or self-conscious about expressing their opinions. Claire has also displayed a willingness to expand her boundaries by presenting a live Outside Broadcast at a MainFM Radio Picnic in 2023, leading by example to our younger presenters.
Claire is a highly creative young person who, in addition to presenting a weekly radio show, is a musician who sings and plays the guitar. She also performed on stage in a lead singing role in last year’s Castlemaine Secondary College’s production of The Addams Family.
Claire is also an active volunteer in the community. She’s volunteered at the Newstead Live Festival and in 2023 hosted the highly successful ‘Nightwalks with Teenagers’ program at the Castlemaine State Festival.
This year, Claire has further shown her commitment to her community and her peers when she was appointed School Captain.
Claire is an articulate young person, displays empathy and intelligence, and is a warm and personable.
Claire is an inspiration to other young people and is someone worth celebrating in our community.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Barb Templar
Barb is one of the shire’s most selfless and caring community members.
She works tirelessly as the Castlemaine RSL’s secretary, and has been supporting war veterans and their families for many years. Each year she invests a lot of her time organisation ANZAC Remembrance Day celebrations.
Among other things Barb has regularly attended the annual Christmas lunch for the local senior citizens at Loddon Prison for well over 10 years. She has shown great community spirit at a time where many people feel isolated.
Time and time again, Barb shows great support for her fellow community members.
Community Event of the Year – Taradale Mineral Springs Festival
The Taradale Mineral Springs Festival has operated annually for 15 years, except during Covid.
It’s a volunteer-run festival that’s offers an inclusive experience for all members of the community. It supports local businesses such as wineries, distilleries, breweries, food vendors, artists, performers and musicians. It also supports local community groups such as the Taradale CFA, Taradale Landcare and the Taradale Historical Society.
Over the 15 years that the festival has been running, it’s donated over $140,000 to local community groups, including Taradale Community Forum, the Taradale CFA, Taradale Landcare and Taradale Recreational Reserve.
The festival committee has always been committed to running a great event for locals, and supporting local businesses and entertainment. It also hires Wash Against Waste each year to minimise their environment impact.
Watch Australia Day – Survival Day 2024
The event was livestreamed to YouTube on the day; you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/MountAlexanderShireCouncil.