Celebrate Somerset’s new and outstanding citizens this Australia Day
Published on 16 January 2026
Say hello to Bumpy the wombat and other iconic Australian animals at the Somerset Civic Centre this Australia Day. Pictured: Bumpy the wombat, Jacqui Brumm from Geckoes Wildlife and 2025 Citizenship Ceremony conferee Jinky Dionsay.
JOIN Somerset Regional Council for Somerset Celebrates Australia Day 2026 at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Monday, 26 January.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council’s Australia Day ceremony celebrated new Australian citizens and community champions with festive activities and a free morning tea.
“It’s always such a pleasure to welcome Somerset’s new citizens with the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony,” Cr Wendt said.
“This twofold event brings together our newest citizens with community members and organisations which exemplify Aussie values through the Australia Day Awards Ceremony.”
Cr Wendt was excited to announce Paralympian powerlifter Hani Watson PLY would join Council as Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador.
“Hani Watson is a powerhouse in the sport of powerlifting, and an absolute inspiration to all Australians,” Cr Wendt said.
Paralympian powerlifter Hani Watson PLY will be Somerset’s 2026 Australia Day Ambassador.
The Queenslander broke Australia’s 16-year medal drought in the sport of powerlifting when she won bronze in the women’s heavyweight at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with a best lift of 127kg.
Hani was born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, which bowed her tibia and femur bones.
Through powerlifting, Hani discovered how she could do anything with upper body strength.
Cr Wendt encouraged the community to register to attend the Australia Day event.
“In addition to our ceremonies, we’ll have entertainment from the Esk Community Choir and Rheanna Leschke, a free morning tea and free ice cream (while stocks last), face painting, and the chance to meet Bumpy the wombat and other iconic Australian animals with Geckoes Wildlife,” Cr Wendt said.
“Whether you’re celebrating citizenship or award recognition with your friends and family, or if you’re an enthusiastic resident who wants to celebrate Australia Day, join us in Esk for this great event.”
Somerset Celebrates Australia Day 2026 will be held from 9am to 12pm on Monday, 26 January at the Somerset Civic Centre on 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
The ceremony kicks off at 9am, with morning tea and activities from 10.30am
To register for the event, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/AusDay2026
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au