Starting tomorrow is a week-long program of free, well-spaced, outdoor events in the city.

The spectacular headline event, Aus Lights on the River, provides an opportunity to explore our connection to nature and belonging to Country. It runs from January 22 to 26.

The Smoking Ceremony on January 26 will be led by Kaurna Elders on Kaurna land – an acknowledgement of the past, of present First Nations Peoples and of their relationship to Country, waters and seas.

Kaurna Elder Rosemary Kudnarto Wanganeen will speak at the ceremony taking place in Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama from 8am to 9am. Entry is free, however bookings are essential.

Australia Day Council of South Australia Chief Executive Jan Chorley welcomes everyone to participate in the program.

“Our events have been shaped to suit current COVID-19 requirements and they are being spread over seven days, to enable as many people as possible to take part,” she says.

“This is an opportunity to recognise our shared resilience and values during a challenging time for all and to reflect on our great land and its peoples, starting with the oldest living cultures, our First Nations, to our most recent arrivals, the refugees who fled Afghanistan and now call Australia home.”

South Australia’s cultural diversity will be showcased through cooking, conversations, live music and other performances at Aus Day in Rundle Mall.

Featuring more than 60 intercultural community organisations, these vibrant celebrations will be on daily from January 20 to 26, between 11am and 2pm.

When the sun starts to set, Adelaide’s Riverbank precinct will come to life.

At Aus Lights on the River, visitors can take an evening stroll to see whales, stingrays and marine life swimming in the Elder Park rotunda.

Performances by the Tjarutja Dance Collective will also be projected onto a water screen on the River Torrens.

Visitors can watch First Nations artist Derik Lynch and Kaurna Elder Frank Wanganeen transform 10 tonnes of sand into a painting and hear South Australians talk about their connections to Country.

Artwork by school children from Lobethal and Woodside, depicting nature’s recovery after the 2020 bushfires, will light up the 9.5 metre high AirLume.

The food hub overlooking the attractions will open from 5.30pm each evening, with the light show starting at 8.30pm.

Entry to all Australia Day events is free.

All events are being held in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. Masks must be worn by all patrons aged 12 and over at Aus Lights on the River and the Smoking Ceremony.

The Australia Day Program 2022 is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and supported by the Government of South Australia, Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The program is presented in partnership with the City of Adelaide.

Aus Day in Rundle Mall is presented in partnership with Vili’s Family Bakery.

The Smoking Ceremony is presented with SA Power Networks and Sarah Constructions.

For more information, visit Australia Day Program 2022