Australian Citizenship Day 17 September

Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated annually on 17 September.

This special day was introduced in 2001 to provide an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to celebrate and value Australian citizenship and the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share.

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, welcomes our newest Australian citizens at the Sydney Opera House.

September 17 was chosen as Australian Citizenship Day as it is the anniversary of the renaming, in 1973, of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.

Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all of us—whether Australian by birth or by choice—to reflect on the role we play in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.

This year we celebrate 10 years of Australian Citizenship Day. To kick off Australian Citizenship Day for 2011, the Minister held a special citizenship ceremony at the Sydney Opera House where 41 people from 16 countries became Australian citizens.

Australian Citizenship Day celebration ideas

There are many ways to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day. Join in local celebrations or organise an event for your school, workplace or community. Read more Australian Citizenship Day celebration ideas.

Register your event

Receive free Australian citizenship promotional products by registering your event with us.

Promotional products

Once you register your Australian Citizenship Day event, we will send you some free promotional products to use on the day (while stocks last). (3.1MB PDF file)

Promote your event

A publicity guide is available to help you promote your event in your local community and through your local media.
See: Publicity guide: How to promote your community relations project through the media (410KB PDF file)