MOURNING IN THE MORNING CEREMONY TO PROCEED AT 7.30AM
AUSTRALIA DAY EVENING PROGRAM NOW CANCELLED
25 January 2026: The Australia Day Council of South Australia has last night confirmed that the Mourning in the Morning Ceremony will proceed as planned, however the flagship evening event for Australia Day, Aus Lights on the River at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, including the fireworks finale, has been cancelled due to the extreme heat forecasted for Australia Day, Monday 26 January.
Australia Day Council of South Australia Chief Executive Officer Jan Chorley said the decision had not been taken lightly.
“Over the past 48 hours we have worked extremely hard to keep the evening event going, including yesterday announcing a delayed start time from 5.00pm to 7.00pm and cancelling the Parade to reduce heat exposure earlier in the day,” Ms Chorley said.
“However, despite our best efforts and ongoing consultation with emergency services and key authorities, we have not been able to safely proceed. While we are incredibly disappointed, the safety of our community must always come first.”
“We thank the South Australian community for their understanding. We would normally welcome 30,000 people to Elder Park for this event. This also affects many people behind the scenes: our performers, orchestra, choirs, artists, parade participants, volunteers, food vendors, Rotary Clubs who had prepared catering, and community groups who have worked so hard. We extend our sincere thanks to every individual and organisation who contributed their time, talent and energy.”
Ms Chorley said it was also critical the community knows that Mourning in the Morning Ceremony will proceed at 7.30am as planned. Increased shaded areas, misting stations and readily accessible free drinking water for your comfort.
“Mourning in the Morning Ceremony will be going ahead as planned. We are expecting pleasant conditions for this event and have also implemented additional heat mitigation measures such as increased shaded areas, misting stations, and readily accessible free drinking water to support community comfort. We encourage everyone to come together for this important First Nations-led ceremony.”
This respectful and inclusive First Nations-led ceremony has been shaped by South Australian Aboriginal leaders. It places truth-telling, reflection and cultural continuity at the start of the national day.
The ceremony will include a Welcome to Kaurna Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner and Tal-kin-jeri, a keynote address from eminent barrister Tony McAvoy SC, contemporary music and dance performances from Rob Edwards, WAYIN Collective and Uncle Eddie Peters, and an in-conversation panel featuring Debra Moyle and Leeroy Bilney.
Mourning in the Morning acknowledges that people arrive at Australia Day with different experiences and perspectives, and calls for respectful dialogue grounded in listening, reflection and dignity.
Updated program details will be made available through ADCSA’s website and social media channels today and over the weekend. Visit www.australiadaysa.com.au/aus-lights-2026 for regular updates.