Across Australia, local councils are celebrating their outstanding citizens as part of annual Australia Day proceedings.
Each year many local governments stage community awards to spotlight the unsung heroes in their communities. Nominations for the awards come from fellow local citizens.
Whitsunday mayor Andrew Willcox said celebrating everyday people was an important part of the day.
“The Awards are a gratifying part of Australia Day, each year allowing us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Whitsunday citizens,” Cr Willcox said.
“Our award winners come from all walks of life and have excelled in different areas, but they all share a common commitment to the local community and represent excellence in our region,” he said.
“It is easy to feel inspired when hearing of the hard work and dedication displayed by all of our winners and it encourages others to think about how they can make a contribution to creating a better community.”
Citizenship ceremonies are also widely held on the day.
The City of Gold Coast is welcoming 69 new citizens from 21 countries.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the ceremonies provide cause for reflection.
“The Australia Day citizenship ceremony is a real highlight for me.
“Seeing how much it means to our newest Aussies is not only touching but is a great time to reflect on what being an Australian means to me.
“Each of these people is making a commitment to this, their adopted country and I welcome them with open arms.”
Some local councils are also supporting events that recognise Australia’s first peoples.
In the City of Sydney, the 15th annual Yabun Festival is taking place on the traditional land of the Gadigal in Victoria Park, with an open invitation to everyone to join in on the celebration of Aboriginal cultures.
Yabun Festival, which in Gadigal language means “music to a beat”, is run by Gadigal Information Service Aboriginal Corporation and features two performance stages, a Corroboree ground, over 100 stalls and activities for all ages.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was a proud supporter of the one-day festival of arts, dance, music and discussion, providing funding of some $120,000 for this year’s event.
“The Yabun Festival rejoices in the cultures and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the oldest living culture in the world.
“Yabun is one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in the country and it’s a great opportunity for both locals and visitors to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through music, art, performance and debate.”
