Australia Day 26 January

Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January each year. This day is an opportunity for us to think about the importance and value of being Australian.

Australia Day 2010

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd conferred citizenship on 77 new Australians from 23 countries at Regatta Point in Canberra.

About 16 500 people from 144 countries became Australian citizens on Australia Day 2010, a record number for Australia Day.

Since the first Australian citizenship ceremony in 1949, more than four million people have chosen to become Australian citizens.

More than 350 citizenship ceremonies were staged across the nation on and around Australia Day by local councils and community groups. The largest ceremony was in Perth, where the councils of Joondalup, Wanneroo and Stirling jointly hosted their third and final "mega ceremony" where approximately 2600 conferees became citizens.
See: Australia Day 2010 Citizenship Ceremony

Celebrating citizenship on Australia Day

The Garrett family celebrate becoming Australian citizens on Australia Day 2010.

Citizenship ceremonies are an important part of Australia Day celebrations. They are often presided over by officials including the Governor-General, Prime Minister, government ministers and local government mayors.
See: Citizenship Ceremonies

Australia Day is also an opportunity for all Australians to affirm their commitment to Australia by taking part in an Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony. These ceremonies may be part of a citizenship ceremony or other community function.
See: Affirmation Ceremonies

Australian of the Year Awards

2010 Australian of the Year Award recipients Professor Patrick McGory (left), Maggie Beer (second left) and Trooper Mark Donaldson VC (right) join in the singing of the National Anthem.

As part of the national Australia Day celebrations, the Prime Minister announced the recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the award which recognises the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians who inspire us all and make us proud.

The department proudly sponsors the Local Hero Award which recognises the contributions of citizens in their local communities.
See: Local Hero Award

National Australia Day Council

Ronni Kahn, Australia's Local Hero 2010.

The department works in partnership with the National Australia Day Council (NADC) to encourage everyone to celebrate what’s great about Australia and reflect on what it means to be an Australian citizen.
See: National Australia Day Council