2025 Australia Day Family Fun Day to return to Lake Mary Ann

Preparations for the 2025 Australia Day celebrations in Tennant Creek and Elliott are underway, including plans to hold a Family Fun Day at Tingkkarli-Lake Mary Ann on Sunday January 26.

It will be a day for both communities to come together to celebrate the diversity of all Barkly residents, contributions of community-minded locals, recognise the region’s Aboriginal history and welcome several residents as new Australian citizens.

2025 Australia Day Ambassador Georgina Bracken and Mayor Sid Vashist will be joined by other dignitaries to recognise the significant contributions of several residents and an organisation with the much-anticipated 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards.

The formal citizenship ceremony will be held at the Tennant Creek Council Chambers at 41 Peko Road from 8am, with an afternoon of family-friendly fun planned for both Tennant Creek and Elliott, both with a free community BBQ.

Activities planned for Lake Mary Ann include the Leaky Bucket Race and Mayor’s Pie-Eating Competition, a Swim-Run-Swim biathlon and a Raft Race.

For the young (and young-at-heart), there will be a Kids Corner with face-painting, bubbles, finger painting and a Lucky Dip, as well as Egg ‘n’ Spoon races, Sack Races, and an Aussie Rules Kick n’ Handball competition for the older kids.

After the formal ceremonies in Elliott, plans are also afoot for a Slip ‘n’ Slide, a Leaky Bucket Race, a Colour Run, and a ‘Guess the Jellybeans’ competition for the kids.

Local businesses, community organisations and individuals who want to sponsor an event or provide support through donations of prizes, supplies, or volunteers should contact council now!

For more information about supporting this great community event, please call (08) 8962 0000 or email: reception@barkly.nt.gov.au