Citizenship Ceremony at Canberra’s Albert Hall 80th Anniversary
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Overview
On 10 March 2008 nearly 80 people from 28 countries became Australian citizens at a special ceremony held as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the historic Albert Hall in Canberra.
Australian citizenship
Australian citizenship was first introduced in 1949 with the enactment of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948. Prior to this, most Australian residents were British subjects. The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 is the current legislation relating to citizenship.
See: Legislation
History of Albert Hall, Canberra
The Albert Hall is located on Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla close to Parliament House, Canberra. The hall was opened on March 10 1928 by then Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce.
During its 80 years the Albert Hall has been host to many significant national events, most notably the first-ever Australian citizenship ceremony.
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 the first ceremony in 1949, Albert Hall has continued a long association with Australian citizenship, hosting numerous ceremonies and 20 years of citizenship conventions.
Six of the seven men who became citizens at Australia’s first citizenship ceremony in 1949.
Citizenship ceremony at Albert Hall 80th anniversary
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, presided over the Australian citizenship ceremony at the Albert Hall 80th anniversary. In warmly welcoming the new citizens, the Minister highlighted the importance of the decision to become an Australian citizen. New citizens become full and formal members of Australia’s democratic society, with shared responsibilities and privileges.
The Minister reflected on the contribution of over 4 million people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to become Australian citizens since 1949. In joining them, the Minister said the 80 new citizens will further add ‘to the diversity and vitality of modern Australia.’ The new citizens come from countries such as Bolivia, Chile, Fiji, Iraq, Iran, Sudan and many others, displaying ‘the diversity of Australia’s immigration program.’
See: Pledge of Commitment to Australia
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans with new Australian citizens, Ashita and Prakesh Vadher and family.
© Photo by Daniel Balaban “Eagle Eye” Photography 2008
Conferees waiting to become Australian citizens in Albert Hall, with Sing Australia choir in the background. © Photo by Daniel Balaban “Eagle Eye” Photography 2008