Mourning in the Morning | Adelaide | 26 Jan 2026
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.
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.
Together, they will continue to create a respectful and inclusive ceremony focused on Our Continuing Story, led and shaped by South Australian First Nations community leaders.
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.
Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony key event partners SA Power Networks , community support partners Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, SDA, Sofitel Adelaide and Galipo Foods
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.
VIEW THE ADCSA 2026 PROGRAM
ABOUT AUS LIGHTS ON THE RIVER
The Aus Lights program enables us to reflect on this great land and its peoples, starting with the oldest living cultures, our First Nations, to our most recent arrivals.
Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to deepen our connection to nature and belonging to Country. Our increasingly fragile world reminds us all of the extraordinary beauty, richness, and expansiveness of our great country and the incredible diversity of its peoples. We can look back at our history, acknowledge the times we are now living through, and manifest our future on the foundations of respect, inclusivity and shared values.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the official Australia Day SA website or follow their Facebook page for updates.
What: Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony
When: Monday 26 January 2026 | 7.30am to 8.45am
Where: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama | King William St, Adelaide
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied
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