Mackay to separate Australian citizenship ceremonies based on vaccination status
A regional Queensland council will separate its Australia Day citizenship ceremony to ensure all new Aussies are properly welcomed, regardless of vaccination status. And the local mayor has vowed to shake everyone’s hand who wants it.
Mackay
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A regional Queensland council will hold separate citizenship ceremonies for vaccinated and unvaccinated residents – but the classic Aussie handshake will still be on offer.
Vaccinated patrons will take their oath of citizenship at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre in the morning, while the unvaccinated will be welcomed in a shorter outdoor ceremony at Jubilee Park in the early afternoon.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he made the decision to split the ceremony to ensure all new Aussies were properly welcomed, regardless of vaccination status.
“We could have had the unvaccinated people online, but I would prefer to welcome new Aussies in person,” he said.
“So we made the decision to have two ceremonies.
“I think it’s very important that new Aussies be welcomed, regardless of their vaccination status.
“There might be valid reasons for these people not being vaccinated and that’s not the time or the day to make those sorts of decisions based around that.”
The outdoor event will include protective measures, including a 1.5m social distancing rule.
Council has also asked Covid close contacts and those with cold and flu symptoms not to attend.
“There’s no possible way of checking on all of that, so we’re just going to have to rely on the goodwill of people,” Mr Williamson said.
“I hope the goodwill we’ve shown is matched by the people in attendance.”
Council expects 100 people to become Australians at the MECC ceremony and a further 13 at Jubilee Park.
Attendees at the MECC event will be required to use the Queensland Check-In app to verify their vaccination status.
At both ceremonies, Mr Williamson pledged to maintain the famous ‘Aussie handshake’ welcome to all those who want it.
“I’m prepared to do it. It is a big thing for a lot of these people,” he said.
Council will also hold its own awards ceremony at the MECC on Tuesday night before Australia Day.
Controversial Dawson MP George Christensen is not expected to attend the awards night, or Mackay’s splintered Australia Day on Wednesday.
Mr Christensen is expected to attend Australia Day ceremonies in Proserpine and the northern portion of the electorate of Dawson.
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