New citizens join in Australia Day celebrations

The Goondiwindi region will welcome six new citizens during a citizenship ceremony as part of the Australia Day celebrations on 26 January 2021.

The conferees from all around the world, including India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and Hong Kong, will become Australian citizens as part of the celebrations at the Goondiwindi Town Park.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the ceremony would be an opportunity for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by choice, to reflect, respect and celebrate.

“The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘We're all part of the story’,” the Mayor said. “Council is very proud to be able to hold the Australia Day Awards each year as a way to reflect on the story of our region, our achievements, and most importantly, our people.

“I encourage all Goondiwindi region residents to celebrate our national day and to share what Australian citizenship means to them. To reflect on our history, its highs and lows, and respect the stories of all our people as we celebrate our nation.”

Traditionally, more people become citizens on Australia Day than any other day of the year. COVID-19 restrictions resulted in fewer citizenship ceremonies than usual across Australia in 2020. Even so, more than 12,000 people will receive citizenship at the many ceremonies being hosted by local councils across the country on Australia Day.

This year, Council will hold the citizenship ceremony in conjunction with the celebrations in Goondiwindi. All residents are invited to attend:

• Australia Day Awards - The Texas Historical Society (Heritage Centre)
  Morning tea from 9 am. Australia Day Awards start 10 am.
• Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony - The Goondiwindi Town Park
  Rotary Club Goondiwindi breakfast from 6.30 am. Australia Day Awards start 8.30 am, followed by Citizenship Ceremony.

“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship,” Cr Springborg said. “It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s shared values, including respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, the rule of law and democracy, and equality of opportunity for all people.

“Australian citizenship ceremonies are an important part of our nation’s celebrations and hold special significance for those becoming citizens and the broader Australian community,” he said.

“We are privileged to welcome new Australians to the Goondiwindi region’s growing community, and I encourage everyone in the region to reflect on Australian citizenship as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

For more information, visit: www.citizenship.gov.au