Ian Riley and Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times

In Maldon, it was a friendly gathering in the Shire Gardens with flags flying and snags frying, all thanks to volunteers and the Maldon RSL.

The RSL did not accept donations on the day, saying it was a way to give back to the community.

Spokesperson Kevin Moschetti said that the RSL used funds raised through the Container Deposit Scheme and thanked Maldon Butchers and Don KR, who donated meat for the BBQ.

In Castlemaine, Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson welcomed a packed Town Hall with a traditional ceremony on Monday 26 January before Council CEO Darren Fuzzard spoke about the day’s theme of ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’.

“We try really hard to acknowledge all the aspects of this day,” he said.

“We as a nation should keep these three words in our hearts every day.”

Mr Fuzzard noted that the recent nearby fires had shown locals demonstrating “kindness, generosity, selflessness and mateship,” saying that these examples: “…serve as inspiring reminders of what the best of Australia looks like.”

As numerous attendees waved the three official Australian flags simultaneously, Mayor Toby Heydon acknowledged that Australia Day means different things to different people, saying that the event was about: “Recognising the many ways that people choose to come together.”

Overseen by multiple MASC Councillors, as well as Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters and State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, 24 people officially became Citizens of Australia to loud and welcoming applause.

Mayor Heydon said that people from neighbouring shires increasingly choose to be part of the Citizenship Ceremony in Castlemaine.

He speculated that the reason may be because of the way that Mount Alexander Shire Council works closely with the local indigenous community for the occasion.

“Or maybe,” he smiled, “because the lamingtons and party pies are better here.”

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 30 January 2026.