Auspire launches Australia Day 2026 in Western Australia on the Elizabeth Quay Floating Stage
In the evening of Tuesday 20 January, Australia Day 2026 officially launched in Western Australia on the Elizabeth Quay Floating Stage.
As the sun set over the Swan River, the campaign kicked off in front of a live public audience and invited members of the Auspire network, with on-stage entertainment and free giveaways that supported the theme of ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.’
In a show of respect for Australia’s First Nations people and their culture and traditions, the show began with a Welcome to Country performed by Mr Barry Winmar and Corroboree For Life – captivating the audience with traditional music and dance.
To celebrate Western Australians who make a remarkable impact and positive contribution to our society, the WA 2026 Australians of the Year took to the stage to chat to ABC’s Nadia Mitsopoulos – a unique opportunity for the public to see and hear from the recipients, and show their support as they head to Canberra for the national Australian of the Year Awards’ ceremony, alongside their fellow state and territory recipients.
City of Perth Lord Mayor, Bruce Reynolds, led the on-stage support of the five inspiring individuals representing WA, before Auspire CEO, Morgen Lewis, reflected on how Australia Day means many different things to all Australians.
Concluding with a celebration of Australian culture, the Born to Sing Choir delivered a spectacular finale with classic songs such as ‘Waltzing Matilda’, ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ and ‘We Are Australian’.
View all photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCH689
Supported by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, and City of Perth.