Acknowledgement of significant dates
Council and community have roles in acknowledging, commemorating or celebrating days or periods of significance.
These help contribute to a welcoming and inclusive community, where people can feel a sense of belonging, and in some cases, learn about the diverse cultural community of Hobsons Bay, and have opportunities to participate.
Days of cultural and faith significance
Hobsons Bay is proud to be home to people from more than 150 countries, speaking more than 120 languages and celebrating more than 80 faiths.
According to the 2021 Census:
- 30 per cent of our community was born overseas
- 22 per cent of our community comes from non-English speaking countries
- 27 per cent of our community speaks a language other than English at home
- 4 per cent of our community has low or no English proficiency
In Hobsons Bay, the largest religious group identified in the 2021 Census is Western (Roman) Catholic (25.6%), followed by Anglican (5.4%), Islam (5.1%) and Greek Orthodox (4.1%). A total of 38.5% of the population identified as having no religion.
The dates identified below reflect the cultural and religious diversity of Hobsons Bay. Council highlights these days in communications throughout the year.
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Lunar New Year (including Chinese and Vietnamese New Year)
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14-22 December
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Hanukkah
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*some dates and days can vary year to year, current for 2025
Civic and ceremonial events
There are significant dates that Council supports through civic or ceremonial events, including flag raisings, services, and community duties for Mayor and Councillors.
It recognises that Council and community have roles in programming events, services and ceremonies including to recognise national days and events of significance. These programs and events can be ceremonial, in remembrance, or celebratory.
Civic and ceremonial events include the following:
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National day, public holiday
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Council hosts a Citizenship Ceremony
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National day, public holiday
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RSLs and community groups produce services, ceremonies and marches for ANZAC Day; Mayor and Councillors are invited to participate
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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, Transphobia
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Council produces a flag raising ceremony for staff and community (Rainbow flag)
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Dept of Home Affairs requirement
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Council produces a Citizenship Ceremony at the Williamstown Town Hall
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National celebration of First Nations people
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Council produces a flag raising ceremony for staff and community (Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags)
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Dept of Home Affairs requirement
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Council produces a Citizenship Ceremony at the Williamstown Town Hall
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Dept of Home Affairs requirement
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Council produces a Citizenship Ceremony at the Williamstown Town Hall
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International day (proclaimed for Australia) observed at 11am
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RSLs produce services and ceremonies for Remembrance Day; Mayor and Councillors are invited to participate
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**some dates and days can vary year to year, current for 2025
Above image: Tree planting as part of National Tree Day at Altona Coastal Park, 2025.
Programming that highlights sectors or themes
Sectors and themes that Council may support through communications, programs, events and other activities.
Council has a role to acknowledge or plan and deliver programming that meets specific needs including in a range of strategies and to meet objectives in the Council Plan.
Examples of these would be themes or sectors like World Environment Day, National Volunteer Week, Reconciliation Week.
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International Women’s Day
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Domestic Violence Awareness month
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Library & Information Week
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Gambling Harm Awareness Week
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National Recycling Week |
Programming and events |
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International Day of People with a Disability
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Your feedback is welcome, please contact commdev@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
*All information correct at time of publication.