Skylight Mental Health is proud to announce that Festival of the Green has been awarded Community Event of the Year at the 2026 City of Mount Gambier Australia Day Awards. This recognition celebrates the power of community‑led initiatives and the incredible collaboration that brought this multicultural event to life.
What began as a simple idea for a community breakfast quickly grew into something much bigger. With support from ac.care, the Australian Migrant Resource Centre, the Mount Gambier Library, local volunteers and the DHS Community Connections Program, Festival of the Green transformed into a free multicultural celebration in the heart of the Cave Garden in Mount Gambier.
More than 500 people came together on the day, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where families could relax, share a meal and enjoy the sense of connection that filled the space.
We offered six local food and beverage trucks and a range of free activities, including henna artists, balloon animals for children, a pop‑up library and Indigenous Australian bracelet‑making. One of the standout features of the festival was the cultural music and dance performed by community members from diverse cultural backgrounds across the Limestone Coast, bringing colour, energy and pride to the entire event.
To ensure there were no cost barriers, every attendee received a free meal ticket and a gift bag, allowing everyone to participate fully and enjoy the day without worry.
This award is not just a recognition of our team’s work, it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit. It wasn’t just a fun day out. For many people, especially those from migrant backgrounds, this was a chance to feel part of the community and to showcase their culture. Some people told us they wouldn’t have been able to attend without the free food and activities. That really reinforced why these events matter. Inclusion isn’t just a word, it’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs.
You can read about the Awards on the City of Mount Gambier website here.
