Australia Day Celebrations Ballarat – 26 January 2026

At a stage set up on the shore of Lake Wendouree, at 11.00 am, a short service to honour the Bondi tragedy was held. Two local councillors came straight from a citizenship ceremony to take part, and prayers were offered in Hebrew and English. In honour of the youngest victim, six VicWelsh choristers went on stage and sang Waltzing Matilda, conducted by Rushan.

Later in the day, on the same stage, Rushan conducted and Mary accompanied over 20 choristers in a 45-minute performance, as they sang a selection of Welsh and English songs. With the audience eagerly joining in, the short concert finished with I Am Australian and I Still Call Australia Home.