Controversial citizenship ceremony goes ahead before Australia Day
After a controversial rescheduling, Bundaberg’s citizenship ceremony was held the day before Australia Day, with a mixed reaction from those who gathered.
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A host of new Australians were welcomed in a Bundaberg citizenship ceremony on Thursday, which took place in the wake of controversy after it was moved to the day before Australia Day.
The ceremony at the Bundaberg Multiplex was one of eight held on the day before Australia day around Queensland, with one Bundaberg councillor telling the Courier Mail he got “absolutely hammered” by residents after the January 25 date was announced.
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With the local government elections looming on March 16, the issue was brought into the political arena with alternative mayoral candidate Helen Blackburn vowing to move the ceremony back to Australia Day if elected.
The controversy was touched upon by incumbent Mayor Jack Dempsey in his opening remarks, saying the citizenship ceremony and Australia Day awards were scheduled for January 25, “so people can enjoy Australia Day and the long weekend with family and friends”.
Speaking after the ceremony, draped in an Australian flag, councillor Vince Habermann echoed the mayor’s explanation for the rescheduling and bemoaned the politicisation of the issue.
“Being today was never anything to do with anti-Australia Day or anything like that,” Mr Habermann said.
“It was all about welcoming the citizens and congratulating our citizens of the year and community groups today, so that they can go out in their communities tomorrow and be part of all the Australia Day celebrations.
“It’s just so disappointing when it’s been made a political football.
“We love Australia, we love Australia Day, and this is all part of it.”
ALP Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said the public debate around Australia Day was a “healthy conversation” that the country needed to have in establishing its identity now and into the future.
“It’s always healthy for a country to have a conversation about itself; who it was, who it is now and where does it want to be,” Mr Smith said.
“Days like today are really one of those great ways that we can all brand ourselves.
“There’s a lot of conversation, there’s a lot of controversy, but at the end of the day what makes you Australian is being able to turn to your neighbor, shake hands, say g’day and treat them as one of your own.
“And that’s what today is all about.”
Some of the new citizens who participated in the ceremony felt slighted by the move away from Australia Day.
Lithuanian ex-patriate Virginija Shimkute said the rescheduling of the citizenship ceremony felt like a devaluing of immigrants in the context of the national celebrations.
“Why was it ok to have (the ceremony) on Australia Day before but not now?” Ms Shimkute asked.
“It feels like we’re being put down a bit.”
Others, however, were less bothered by the controversy and simply happy to have their Australian citizenship conferred.
“I’m so excited,” said Zimbabwean ex-patriate Hildah Sharne.
“It’s been a beautiful day, I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”
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Ms Sharne planned to enjoy the long weekend with friends, perhaps with some further study involved.
“We’re gonna have a big dinner tonight, then more celebrations tomorrow, and trying to learn all the lyrics for the Australian national anthem,” she laughed.
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