City responds to Geelong Australia Day Committee and the Lions Club of Corio Bay’s decision to cancel Free Children's Fun Day

In response to the news that the Geelong Australia Day Committee and the Lions Club of Corio Bay have made the difficult decision to cancel the Free Children’s Fun Day on Australia Day the City of Greater Geelong is working with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club to support an expanded Festival of Sails program at Steampacket Gardens.

The expanded program will include free family-friendly Australia Day activities.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:

Australia Day is a very important day and fundamentally it's about recognising that we are privileged to live in the greatest country in the world. 

That is worth celebrating so City officers have been working closely with Festival of Sails organisers to ensure the community can continue to enjoy family-fun activities on the day in the region. 

I want to thank the organising committee of the Rippleside Park event for their service to the community over many years but also for making the call that the event was going to be too challenging to deliver this year. 

While it’s disappointing this year’s event could not go ahead we will continue to liaise with the Geelong Australia Day Committee for 2027.

We look forward to supporting Festival of Sails as they finalise details of the additional activities planned for Australia Day as part of their 2026 program.

Sports and Recreation portfolio chair Councillor Eddy Kontelj:

Despite this year’s event not proceeding I will continue to encourage and support Council to actively liaise and engage with the Geelong Australia Day Committee regarding 2027.

I have long been a strong advocate for the celebration of Australia Day and while the usual Rippleside event won't be going ahead I’m pleased the City can support Festival of Sails to enhance their already significant program for the community. 

Australia Day on our glorious waterfront is always a great day and this year will be even better so save the date.

Discussions will continue following Australia Day about whether the event will return in 2027 and in what form.