ADELAIDE
Mourning in the Morning
Monday 26 January 2026 | 7.30am - 9:00am | Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide SA
South Australians are warmly invited to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories, cultures and perspectives at the Australia Day Council of SA’s Mourning in the Morning event early on 26 January 2026.
Together, we will continue to create a respectful and inclusive ceremony focused on Our Continuing Journey, led and shaped by South Australian First Nations community leaders.
Held in Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on the banks of Adelaide’s River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, this groundbreaking First Nations-led event is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Gather at 7.30am for a welcome to Kaurna country, followed by First Nations speakers, musicians, dancers, and interactive activities grounded in respect. The event will feature a smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner.
Gates open at 7:00am.
This morning ceremony is unchanged and will proceed as originally planned.
Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony key event partner SA Power Networks community support partners Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, SDA , and Sofitel Adelaide.
The program is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the City of Adelaide and is supported by the Government of South Australia.
Aus Lights on the River 2026 and Aus Lights Parade - CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT
Monday 26 January 2026
Due to extreme heat forecasted for Australia Day, Monday 26 January, the evening program, Aus Lights on the River and Aus Lights Parade has been cancelled.
For more information please visit the Australia Day Council of South Australia website