60th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship

On 26 January 1949 the Nationality and Citizenship Act came into effect creating the new status of Australian citizen. Prior to this, most people living in Australia were known as British subjects. This important piece of legislation meant that for the first time we could truly call ourselves Australians.

On 3 February 1949, seven men, one to represent each state and the ACT, from Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Greece, Norway, Spain and Yugoslavia became citizens in Australia's first-ever citizenship ceremony held at Albert Hall.

Since this first citizenship ceremony over four million people from over 200 countries have chosen to become Australian citizens.

Australian citizenship represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises our sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or where we have decided to make our home.

Royal Australian Mint 60th Anniversary Coin

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and Royal Australian Mint collaborated to create a coin which celebrates the 60th anniversary of Australian Citizenship.

In recognition of this important anniversary, the 2009 one-dollar coin features the smiling faces of the very first Australian citizens, each as individual as the country from which they originate. The raised hands symbolise their pride in becoming Australian, now linked symbolically to create the star of federation.

Angelo Muguira – A citizen from the first Australian citizenship ceremony in 1949

60 years on - An interview with a citizen from the first Australian citizenship ceremony in 1949.
See: Angelo Muguira (Spain)