Australia Day is changing for many localities and this is being reflected by the Federal Government and local councils across Australia.
In December, the Federal Government announced an update to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, removing red tape to allow councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies not just on the day but now allowing them to conduct the services from 23 to 29 January and not just 26 January as previously gazetted.
The move to more flexibility has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) which, according to ,ational president Linda Scott, had been advocating for the government to allow councils to decide the scope of Australia Day activities based on consultation with their communities.
“In response to local government advocacy, we welcome this pragmatic update to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, allowing councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies on or around Australia’s national day,” Cr Scott said.
“Common sense has prevailed as Australia Day is an important recognition of our diverse origins and what it means to be Australian. Hosting citizenship ceremonies is a great honour for councils and it’s one we take very seriously.
“It’s also a day where councils welcome our newest citizens and stage associated celebrations and activities for our local communities.”
“We have consistently advocated for individual councils to mark Australia Day, and the timing of local events, as a matter for local governments, knowing that we strive to reflect the broad wishes and aspirations of communities.
“It’s the responsibility of individual councils to be responsive and respect the views of our local communities.
“Today’s outcome shows the strong respect and understanding the Government has for local governments and the important role they play in representing our communities and welcoming new Australians.”
Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles said: “Australia Day holds great significance to many people across Australia. Our national day provides all Australians with the opportunity to reflect, respect, and celebrate.
“It is also the day when more people become citizens than any other time of the year and, for those who have joined our great Australian community from all corners of the world, becoming a citizen is an unforgettable occasion to be treasured forever.
“The Australian Government implores councils to have new citizens as their key focus, recognising that many community members want to complete their journey to Australian citizenship in connection with Australia Day.”
“Australian citizenship is an important common bond for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, and lies at the heart of a unified, cohesive and inclusive Australia. The government’s priority is to ensure that, where people have made the choice to become Australia citizens, they are afforded that opportunity in their own communities, with friends and family, in a timely way.”
The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code sets out the requirements for conducting citizenship ceremonies in accordance with the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth). Prior to this update, councils were required to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day; they will now be able to hold it on 26 January, or on the three days before and after – for 2023, councils will be allowed to hold Australia Day ceremonies in the period from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 January.
For many bigger councils including the City of Parramatta, the announcement has come too late to change their days activities for this year, which have been planned months in advance. The council has been moving away from “celebrating” Australia Day, instead moving towards using the day to acknowledge cultural heritage.
Hot air balloon rides, live music, free workshops, science shows, native wildlife, historic racing cars, heritage tours, free amusements and sports activities are all part of the city’s planned events for this Australia Day.
Community organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond will be honoured during the announcement of City of Parramatta’s 2023 Citizen of the Year awards, before nearly 80 people from the local area become the region’s newest Australian citizens at a special Australian Citizenship Ceremony.
“The Burramattagal people have called our local area home for more than 65,000 years, and this Australia Day we’ll be honouring our rich local heritage with First Nations workshops, crafts and storytelling,” Lord Mayor Council Donna Davis said.
“This day is a chance for our community to get together and connect with culture and traditions, while having fun with family and friends in the beautiful Parramatta Park.
”Australia Day in Parramatta has become the go-to event for those living in Western Sydney, and I’m looking forward to welcoming many of them again this year.”
