Sydney councils show overwhelming support for citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day
Sydney and regional councils are embracing Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, with one outspoken mayor reminding the Opposition Leader he doesn’t need to start a “petty culture” fight.
NSW
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A majority of Sydney councils will welcome proud new Australians with citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
These include left-wing Inner West Council which urged Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to “chill out” after he vowed to reinstate mandatory Australia Day citizenship ceremonies if elected.
“Whether it’s sledging Woolworths merchandise or punching down at councils, Peter Dutton is always so cranky this time of year,” Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne said.
“For once this January Peter should try to chill out and put a smile on his dial instead.”
At a press conference on Monday, Mr Dutton criticised the Albanese government’s approach to Australia Day celebrations and said, if elected, he would reinstate the ceremonies within his first 100 days as a “sign of pride and nationalism in our country”.
NewsLocal asked councils what their plans were for Australia Day, if they planned to hold citizenship ceremonies on the day and, if Mr Dutton was elected, would they be on board with the move to make ceremonies compulsory.
Most declined to weigh in on Mr Dutton’s promise but were adamant about continuing to host citizenship ceremonies, along with their usual celebrations.
Many councils also host events honouring Aboriginal Australians.
Here’s what they said:
Campbelltown Council
Campbelltown Council will host a citizenship ceremony at Ingleburn’s Greg Percival Community Centre, where local award recipients including the 2025 Citizen of the Year will be announced.
When asked about Mr Dutton’s proposal to make citizenship ceremonies compulsory for councils, a council spokeswoman said: “We have delivered citizenship ceremonies for decades on Australia Day and see it as a privilege.”
Following the citizenship ceremony, the council will host celebrations at Koshigaya Park, featuring music family-friendly activities, food stalls and a fireworks display at 9pm.
Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound encouraged the community to come along with their picnic blankets and join the festivities.
“Australia Day is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of all who call Australia home,” he said.
A council spokesman said it would host a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day, along with its Local Citizen of the Year Awards, as “has been our custom”.
“Additionally, Cumberland will hold its annual Australia Day event at Holroyd Gardens on Sunday January 26, from 5pm to 9pm,” he said.
“The event will feature live performances, children’s activities, and culminate in a spectacular fireworks finale at 8.50pm.’’
Fairfield Council
The southwest Sydney council will host a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day when proud Aussie Frank Carbone will lead the event at Aquatopia Prairiewood.
The council – which represents a huge melting pot – usually hosts citizenship ceremonies once a month for up to 300 new Australians.
Mr Carbone said Mr Dutton’s proposal to mandate ceremonies across councils on Australia Day made “no difference” because it always hosted the events.
“We do it on Australia Day, we always have even when we’re not told to do it,’’ he said.
“It’s a day to celebrate our uniqueness as Australians, celebrate our good fortune and I think every nation needs a day to celebrate everybody – no matter if they are born overseas or the indigenous people of this land.’’
Hornsby Council
Hornsby Shire Council will hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day at 10am.
A spokeswoman said it held citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day and would “comply with any directions from the federal government in relation to citizenship ceremonies”.
Inner West Council
Inner West Council holds a citizenship ceremony on January 26 every year, and then on the third Monday of each month except for December.
Mayor Darcy Byrne lashed out at Mr Dutton.
“Like clockwork, after new year’s and before Australia Day, Peter Dutton tries to start a petty culture wars fight,” Mr Byrne said.
“I remember when he tried to enforce an absurd federal government dress code at citizenship ceremonies, forgetting that, overwhelmingly, proud new citizens dress beautifully and certainly don’t need a fashion diktat from plain old Peter.
“We will continue to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, with an emphasis on the proud Aboriginal history of this continent.
“These ceremonies are solemn and respectful and the feedback from new citizens is overwhelmingly positive.
“Whether it’s sledging Woolworths merchandise or punching down at councils, Peter Dutton is always so cranky this time of year.
“For once this January Peter should try to chill out and put a smile on his dial instead.”
Liverpool Council
Mayor Ned Mannoun said local communities benefited from councils’ performing citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
“It is very symbolic because Australia Day is the day we celebrate being Australian and living in the best country in the world,’’ he said.
“I received my citizenship on Australia Day and it makes a special day even more special.”
Mosman Council
Mosman Council will hold a citizenship ceremony and present citizen of the year awards on January 26.
Sydney City Council
A City of Sydney spokesman said “the state government’s Australia Day Council of NSW is responsible for events in the city”.
“We are holding a citizenship ceremony on January 29 that will see nearly 200 people made Australian citizens,” he said.
“The ceremonies formerly held on January 26 were a small part of a larger event and only accommodated 10 to 15 people.”
Parramatta Council
“Council is holding a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day in 2025 as it has for many years,’’ a spokesman said.
“City of Parramatta is hosting celebrations throughout the Australia Day long weekend on January 25 and 26 including hot air balloon rides, a barbecue zone and children’s amusement rides.’’
Northern Beaches Council
Northern Beaches Council holds citizenship ceremonies every Australia Day at its Glen St Theatre at Belrose.
Mayor Sue Heins (an independent councillor) said: “Council holds a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day and has done so for many years. There are no current plans to change this practice.”
Its plans include an Australia Day breakfast barbecue at Newport Beach, a pool party at Warringah Aquatic Centre, Frenchs Forest and Manly Aquatic Centre, and a free open air cinema showing Australia movies at Lakeside Park, Narrabeen, on January 26.
Wollondilly Shire Council
Wollondilly Shire Council will welcome 27 new citizens during a citizenship ceremony on January 26 as part of its annual Australia Day event at Picton Botanic Gardens.
The event includes a free barbecue breakfast/lunch, smoking ceremony, flag raising, presentation of Australia Day Awards, and speeches from the Mayor and Australia Day ambassador.
The Hills Shire Council
Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne confirmed citizenship ceremonies would continue.
“The Hills Shire is a wonderful example of cultural diversity, with over 40 per cent of our residents born overseas,” she said.
“Australia Day is a special occasion to welcome new citizens and celebrate the unique stories and traditions that enrich not only our local story, but also our national identity.
“I strongly believe all councils should uphold the tradition of hosting citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. These ceremonies not only celebrate our nation but also strengthen the sense of community that makes Australia and The Hills so special.
“I’m thrilled to join 100 new citizens at a special ceremony on January 26, and I look forward to the joy and unity this day brings.”
Penrith City Council
“Council is holding a Pool Party on Australia Day,” a spokesperson from the council said.
“Penrith City Council will be holding a citizenship ceremony on Sunday January 26.
“We already hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day so are not affected by Peter Dutton’s proposal.”
Central Coast Council
The council has in the past held citizenship ceremonies on January 26, and will do it again this year.
In 2024, however, the council did not hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day but took the option of holding it on January 29.
“This was largely due to the fact that the council also co-ordinates and delivers significant community events in multiple locations on the Central Coast on January 26 each year,’’ a council spokeswoman said.
“We always need to ensure we have the resources to ensure each event is successful.
“It should be noted that the council holds multiple citizenship ceremonies throughout the year – due to the large number of residents wanting to become Australian citizens – and will be holding a further three citizenship ceremonies during 2025 to cater for the demand. It is fantastic that so many of community on the Central Coast wish to become Australian citizens and we welcome them wholeheartedly.’’
Bayside City Council
Bayside Council will hold a citizenship ceremony at Rockdale Town Hall on Australia Day when the area’s newest citizens will be welcomed at an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony for new citizens and invited guests.
Its events also include a sunrise ceremony at Ramsgate Beach and a family-fun day at Botany Aquatic Centre.
Events also honour indigenous Australians with a 6am Wuri-Rise sunrise ceremony at Ramsgate Beach to “respectfully honour the survival of Australia’s First Nations Peoples and their culture” on January 26 to include a Welcome to Country, a smoking ceremony and a flag raising event.
The council’s traditional Australia Day family celebration takes place at the popular Botany Aquatic Centre from 10am.
This will include a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, music, food stalls, and inflatable
slides for children.
Georges River Council
The southern Sydney council will hold one of its six citizenship ceremonies for the year on Australia Day.
It will host several events including on January 18 when it will partner with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation to feature indigenous cultural performances and “shine a light” on advancing the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
It will present its citizen of the year awards and host a free outdoor picnic at Carrs Bush Park from 4.30pm.
Willoughby Council
The council will hold a citizenship ceremony on January 26 as part of its Australia Day 2025 celebrations event.
Its citizenship ceremony is open for the public to attend.
“On the topic of Australia Day, our responsibility as a council is to listen to the views of our community to ensure that we’re celebrating our country and our community in a manner that is inclusive of everybody,’’ a council spokesman said.
“At this stage, we will hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26. Moving forward, our stance will continue to be guided by our community.’’
Wollongong Council
Wollongong Council will also hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day at Wollongong Town Hall but it declined to express thoughts on Mr Dutton’s announcement.
The council will also host a community event and fireworks display at Wollongong Harbour from 5pm to 9pm.
Originally published as Sydney councils show overwhelming support for citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day
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