These awards are the highest recognition for local governments in Australia. They celebrate inspiring projects that councils deliver in communities across the country. The awards also highlight the important role local government plays in bringing people together and improving community life.
The St Kilda Festival is Australia’s largest free music festival and one of the City of Port Phillip’s most important cultural events. Held over two days in February, the 2026 festival attracted 360,000 people across the weekend. This shows its strong role as a major community event that gives people access to high quality arts and music experiences in public spaces.
One of the festival’s standout features is First Peoples First, which attracted a record 30,000 attendees. This highlights growing community interest in and connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The second day of the festival featured a mix of contemporary music across several stages. It showcased Australian artists from different genres and at different stages of their careers, strengthening St Kilda’s reputation as a centre for live music and creativity.
The festival placed a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion. It was free to attend and included step-free viewing areas, Auslan-interpreted performances, accessible facilities, clear signs, and wellbeing services. These features helped make sure people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds could enjoy the event safely and fully.
The festival created important benefits for the community by encouraging social connection, community pride, and shared cultural experiences. It also delivered strong economic benefits by activating public spaces and supporting local businesses, hospitality, and tourism.
Through strong cultural leadership, community-led programming, and a clear commitment to access and inclusion, City of Port Phillip is showing how major cultural events can create lasting social and cultural value.
Congratulations to all involved on this important recognition.
