50 new Aussies to be welcomed on Australia Day

Fifty Fraser Coast residents will become new Australian citizens during a special citizenship ceremony at the Brolga Theatre on Australia Day.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said this year was the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenship with the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 taking effect on 26 January 1949.

“Our new citizens on the Fraser Coast are aged from six to 86 and were born in 18 different countries. They will join thousands of other Australians who are celebrating their citizenship in ceremonies to mark Australia Day,” he said.

“It’s an unforgettable moment for everyone involved, from the new citizens pledging their loyalty to Australia and starting an exciting new chapter in their lives, to those of us welcoming them to our community.

“Our new citizens will contribute their skills and cultural diversity to our local community, and enrich it through their hard work and participation in public life.”

The Australia Day citizenship ceremony is the first in our region in 2024. Fraser Coast Regional Council held eight citizenship ceremonies in 2023, welcoming 262 new Australians from 50 different countries of birth.

The citizenship ceremony will start at 9am sharp with the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards presentation to follow at around 10am. The ceremonies are free and all are welcome to attend.

Other community events celebrating Australia Day on the Fraser Coast include:

• Australia Day at the Hervey Bay Historical Village from 10am to 4.30pm
• Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise Inc’s Australia Day celebrations at Queens Park from 7am to 11am
• Australia Day at the Poona Community Hall from 9am to 4pm

“Australia Day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together as a nation to reflect, respect and celebrate,” Cr Seymour said.

More information about Australia Day community events is available on the events calendar on Council’s website while details of the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards nominees and recipients are available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/australia-day

For more information about Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au