37 new citizens to join in Australia Day celebrations

The Whitsunday Region welcomed 37 new citizens at an Australia Day citizenship ceremony on Tuesday 26 January 2021.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said the ceremony was an opportunity for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by choice, to join national celebrations that reflect, respect and celebrate—we reflect on our history, its highs and lows, we respect the stories of all our people, and we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people.

“It’s really exciting to see how much becoming an Australian Citizen means these people and to hear about the journey they’ve been on to get to this point,” Mayor Willcox said.

“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. 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,” he said.

“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.

“Traditionally, more people become citizens on Australia Day than any other day of the year.

COVID-19 guidelines on hotspot restrictions, gathering sizes and social distancing resulted in fewer citizenship ceremonies than usual 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.

“Each year we are privileged to welcome new Australians to our growing community as part of Australia Day celebrations,” said Mayor Willcox said.

“I encourage everyone in the Whitsundays to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

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

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For media enquiries, contact:

Lisa Maher, Senior Communications Officer

07 4945 0204, 0408 713 243 or Email: communications@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au