Australia, renowned for its rich cultural diversity, marks Australian Citizenship Day each year on 17 September. The day is dedicated to celebrating the significance of Australian citizenship and the privileges and responsibilities that come with it.
This year’s celebration holds special importance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the first Australian citizenship ceremony, conducted at Canberra’s Albert Hall on 3 February 1949.
Seven people (representing each Australian state and the ACT) became the first Australian citizens. They were from Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Greece, Norway, Spain, and Yugoslavia.
Jan Jandura Pucek had the honour of becoming the first naturalised Australian citizen during the ceremony. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Jan worked as a eucalyptus distiller in the Tidbinbilla region of the ACT.
In February this year, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, Andrew Giles MP observed in a statemennt, “Modern Australia is a nation built through citizenship – reflecting the contributions and experiences of more than 6 million people from around the world who chose to commit to us.”
“Our Government understands how important permanency and citizenship are to those who have lived, worked and contributed to their local communities for so long. That’s why we’ve brought down the backlog in citizenship applications, ended the limbo of temporary protection visas and provided a pathway to citizenship to thousands of New Zealanders previously denied this opportunity,” he added.
Each year, Australian Citizenship Day offers a moment for all Australians, whether citizens by birth or choice, to reflect on the meaning of citizenship, take pride in the nation’s democratic values, and consider what unites them as Australians.
Since its inception in 2001, Australian Citizenship Day has seen thousands of new citizens welcomed in local communities across the country.
The day was established following a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council in 2000, which suggested a national day for all Australians to celebrate their citizenship.
The date, 17 September, was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the 1973 renaming of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
Each year, the Department of Home Affairs, alongside local councils, hosts special citizenship and affirmation ceremonies to promote this day, encouraging schools, organisations, and community groups to also participate with their own events.
Since 1949, over six million new citizens have been welcomed to Australia. Citizenship, a common bond uniting Australians, brings with it a commitment to uphold key national values such as respect for individual freedom and dignity, freedom of speech and religion, equality of opportunity, and adherence to the rule of law. These values underpin the Australian identity and foster a society where mutual respect, tolerance, and compassion are embraced.
For 75 years, new citizens have played a vital role in shaping a strong, united, and prosperous Australia. As the nation celebrates this anniversary, it continues to reflect on the shared values and diverse experiences that strengthen its communities.
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