Australia Day - 26 January
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Overview
Australia Day is on 26 January each year. This day is an opportunity for us to think about the importance and value of being Australian.
Australia Day 2009
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd conferred citizenship on 60 new Australians from 25 countries at Regatta Point in Canberra.
About 13 000 people from more than 120 countries became Australian citizens on Australia Day 2009.
This year is particularly special as 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship.
See: 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship
Since the first Australian citizenship ceremony in 1949, more than four million people have chosen to become Australian citizens.
A total of 318 citizenship ceremonies were staged across the nation on Australia Day. The largest ceremony was in Perth, where 1863 conferees became citizens. Smaller ceremonies were conducted by local councils with conferees including those from remote communities.
See: Australia Day 2009 Citizenship Ceremony
Celebrating citizenship on Australia Day
Julian and Margaret Steggel are presented with Australian citizenship certificates by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd
Citizenship ceremonies are an important part of Australia Day celebrations. They are often presided over by officials including the Australian 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 Affirmation ceremony. These ceremonies may be part of a citizenship ceremony or other community function.
See: Affirmation Ceremonies
Australian of the Year Awards
As part of the national Australia Day celebrations, the Prime Minister announces the recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards.
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
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