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Aus Lights for Kids celebrates creativity and connection this January 26

The unique, family-friendly event Aus Lights for Kids will bring children and families together this January 26th.

The unique, family-friendly event Aus Lights for Kids will bring children and families together to connect with their heritage and community on the banks of the River Torrens in Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama this January 26th. This free event, part of the broader Aus Lights on the River event, will kick off at 5pm for an afternoon of arts, crafts, storytelling, and interactive activities.

Presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA), Aus Lights for Kids will feature a program designed to engage children in the theme of unity and inclusion.

“This year, we bring to life a captivating program of unique Australian-themed inflatable native animals with storytelling, interactive arts and crafts workshops and face painting, for children of all ages, celebrating the richness of our diversity, shared identity, and unity through the creative spirit of community,” ADCSA CEO Jan Chorley said.

One of the best parts of the evening will be a children’s craft activity led by artist Monica Prichard. Kids will have the chance to create a growing paper chain of little people, representing themselves and their families. The chain will be linked together throughout the evening and displayed across Elder Park, symbolising unity.

“The paper-chain artwork literally connects the children and their families together as one and is based on the lyrics ‘we are one, but we are many’ from the iconic Australian song ‘I am Australian’ by Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton,” Monica Prichard, children’s craft workshop artist, said.

Children will also be invited to take part in drawing portraits inspired by local artist Peter Drew’s AUSSIE poster art series. These artworks will reflect the children’s own family stories and be featured in a light display on the Elder Park Rotunda, transforming it into a ‘Welcome Lantern’ for the night.

The AUSSIE poster art series will be featured in a spectacular light display on the Elder Park Rotunda, transforming it into a ‘Welcome Lantern’ for the night.

This year’s Aus Lights for Kids event is part of a larger celebration that includes the Santos Tour Down Under Final Stage Presentation at Elder Park at 3:45pm. Families are encouraged to stay and enjoy the full Aus Lights program, which includes:

  • Aus Lights for Kids (5pm) – Arts, crafts, performances, and interactive activities for children.
  • Respecting Country Parade (7pm) – A multicultural showcase celebrating the diversity of South Australia’s communities.
  • Official Ceremony (8pm) – Featuring performances by the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, singer/songwriter John Schumann, and the Festival Statesmen.
  • AUSSIE Art Rotunda – A stunning art installation featuring Peter Drew’s iconic AUSSIE images.
  • Australian Fireworks (9:30pm) – The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display set to Australian music.

Aus Lights for Kids will be an exciting, creative event for children and families to come together, celebrate their shared identity, and learn about the importance of unity and inclusion.

For more information, visit Aus Lights.

Aus Lights on the River 2025 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.

Respecting Country Parade sponsors Adelaide PHN, Credit Union SA and Gallipo Food Company. 

Official Ceremony sponsor Green Gold Energy. 

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