It’s 27 years since I moved to Australia.
I became a citizen in January 2000.
But only today do I disccover that it’s Australian Citizenship Day!
Apparently 17 September is celebrated every year with citizenship ceremonies, affirmation ceremonies and other events around the country.
To be fair, it only began, or was established in 2001 in response to a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council in their 2000 report Australian Citizenship for a New Century.
According to the website 17 September was chosen as Australian Citizenship Day as it’s the anniversary of the renaming, in 1973, of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
I immediately had a look to see if I could find any events happening locally.
Not to attend, I was just interested to know.
Neither Brisbane, nor Moreton Bay are holding any citizenship ceremonies today.
There is one this Friday in Moreton Bay, but not until the 30th in Brisbane.
Although some Queensland councils (including Redland City, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, South Burnett and Logan City Council) are holding them today.
Nothing in Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne.
Suddenly I’m not feeling quite so embarrassed about not knowing about this national day.
I’m getting the feeling many others are not aware of today’s significance either!
The website claims whether through birth, or by choice, this day offers us a chance to think about what unites us as Australians.
Great idea.
We should be celebrating this.
This seems like a hugely missed opportunity to me.
If we’re looking to find a national day that all Australians can unite on – why not pick this date?
Sorry if anyone finds this controversial, but I’m all for unity, and the world feels a very angry and divisive place at the moment.
Australians are generally known for being laid-back and friendly.
Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a day we can all embrace?
Happy Australian Citizenship Day!
Ann 🙏