Australia Day events in the capital will look different in 2023. The National Capital Authority (NCA) will bring an enormous spectacle to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, the event will bring all Canberrans together to Respect – Reflect – Celebrate what it means to be Australian in 2023.
Lights on the Lake, a free community event, will take place over four evenings from 25 – 28 January. Night markets, food and drink vendors, and a laser light water show will captivate audiences.
Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, said: “At this time of year, we reflect on our role as Australians and on the shared joys and responsibilities of that identity.”
Light Show
Using Lake Burley Griffin as a canvas, show creators Oracle Liquid and The Electric Canvas have crafted a bespoke production for Australia Day.
For the first time in Canberra, a huge display of light and colour will be projected onto two large scale water screens, accompanied by choreographed high pressure water jets and laser lights set to music. Imagery depicts scenes from a vast array of Australian experiences and stories.
Each 12-minute show will be played at intervals over the four nights so that the whole community can view it at Commonwealth Place on Lake Burley Griffin.
Dr Caroline Hughes, Ngunnawal elder and executive director at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), and other members of the Ngunnawal community worked with the NCA to film a Welcome to Country and a Water Ceremony to be incorporated into the live projections. These contributions are integral to the event, and make up the backbone of the show.
“Our Welcome reflects our desire to invite the community to come together to reflect and enjoy the land and life here in the Capital,” Dr Hughes said. “We hope that all contribute to voice, treaty, truth in the spirit of reconciliation.”
Ms McBain said: “I am delighted to see this collaboration between the National Capital Authority and the National Australia Day Council which brings us together in celebration on Ngunnawal land.”
Night Markets
Lights on the Lake will feature midsummer night markets presented by the team behind the Little Burley Markets and the Haig Park Markets.
Crowds can expect multicultural cuisines and gourmet food stalls, one-of-a-kind clothing and locally made and designed art, jewellery, and homewares. There will also be delicious and decadent desserts and, of course, ice cream.
Other restaurants and bars will also operate in the area.
Australian of the Year Projections
Once again, the much-loved Australian of the Year Projections will take place at the National Carillon, Queen Elizabeth II Island, from Monday 23 January.
While the Island itself is closed to facilitate the technical projections, audiences can view the 32 nominees and winners from vantage points around the Lake.
LIGHTS ON THE LAKE
Where: Commonwealth Place, Lake Burley Griffin
When: Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 January, 5pm – 10pm, with projections starting at sundown
Bookings: Entry to the event is free, and no bookings are required.
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR PROJECTIONS
Where: National Carillon, Queen Elizabeth II Island
When:
- Monday 23 January – Australia Day Celebration Images
- Tuesday 24 January – 32 State and Territory nominees
- Wednesday 25 January – 3 Australians of the Year and 1 Local Hero
- Thursday 26 January – Australia Day Celebration Images
