Australia celebrates Australian Citizenship Day
More than 4500 people from 120 countries will become Australian citizens tomorrow as part of celebrations for Australian Citizenship Day (September 17).
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said it is an important opportunity for all Australians to consider the meaning of being a citizen.
'Citizenship Day is of historic significance this year, as 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship,' Senator Evans said.
'It is an opportunity for all Australians, whether citizens by birth or by choice, to understand the role Australian citizenship plays in building a strong, harmonious and unified nation.'
'Australian citizenship was first introduced in 1949 with the enactment of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948. Before this, most Australian residents were British subjects.'
'The 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship is an opportunity for us to reflect on the changes that have shaped our nation over the past 60 years.'
Citizenship ceremonies will be staged around the nation including at Parliament House in Canberra where parliamentarians will be invited to join new citizens and reaffirm their commitment to Australia at a ceremony in the Great Hall.
In Sydney, 110 people from 35 countries will become Australian citizens at two ceremonies tomorrow at the Sydney Opera House. Chinese-born opera singer Sharon Zhai will kick off proceedings by singing the national anthem before she makes her pledge to Australia.
Across NSW, more than 560 people will become citizens in locations such as Coffs Harbour, Griffith, Wollongong, Tumbarumba and Young.
In Western Australia, 12 people from six countries will become Australian citizens, including British-born film-maker Stephen Oliver, whose latest documentary Skippy, Australia's first super star: The remarkable story of how a crime-fighting marsupial conquered the world, will go to air on the ABC tomorrow night.
In Victoria today, the first US Ambassador to Hanoi after the Vietnam War will become an Australian citizen at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's office in Casselden Place, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
At Government House in Tasmania tomorrow, one of the first 'naturalised' Australians will reaffirm his commitment to mark the nation's 60th year of citizenship. In 1949, Marian Jackiewicz, now 87, was one of 194 Polish ex-servicemen who became citizens in what was then Tasmania's first and Australia's biggest citizenship ceremony.
In Adelaide tomorrow, 25 conferees will become Australian citizens among the wildlife at the Adelaide Zoo. They are among 480 people who will become citizens in South Australia at 13 ceremonies in Tee Tree Gully, Walkerville, Victor Harbour, Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills.
Some 600 people became Australians at the Brisbane City Council while a further 100 people will become citizens across Queensland tomorrow.
The Darwin Trailer Boat Club will play host to one of Darwin's key ceremonies, where 60 people will become citizens to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day tomorrow.
'I congratulate all of Australia's newest citizens,' Senator Evans said.
'Citizenship represents a commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises our sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or have decided to make our home.'
'Australian Citizenship Day provides an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate being part of such a wonderful country.'
Australian Citizenship Day 2009 Events
State/ Territory |
Ceremony location |
Time |
Conferees |
|---|---|---|---|
ACT |
Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra |
11.00 am |
17 |
NT |
The Darwin Trailer Boat Club. |
10.00 am |
60 |
QLD |
Brisbane Regional Office. |
1.30 pm |
37 |
SA |
Adelaide Zoo. |
10.00 am |
25 |
TAS |
Government House. |
2.00 pm |
55 |
VIC |
Geelong West Town Hall. |
6.30 pm |
32 |
NSW |
The Sydney Opera House. |
9.15 am |
65 |
WA |
Perth State Office. |
4.30 pm |
12 |
For further information on events and talent opportunities, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on 02 6264 2244.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09086.htm
Last update: 16 September 2009 at 14:09 AEST