1800 New citizens for NSW on Australia Day 2000
Media Release - DPS 2/2000
More than 1800 people will become Australians in ceremonies to be held across New South Wales on Australia Day, 26 January 2000.
Citizenship ceremonies have become an important part of Australia Day events over the years and this one is particularly significant because it marks the end of a year of activities celebrating 50 years of Australian citizenship. (Until 26 January 1949 all Australians were officially British subjects.)
Although citizenship is a Commonwealth function and applications are approved under the direction of the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Minister has authorised senior elected and appointed officials in Local Government (Mayors, Town Clerks etc) to confer citizenship.
This Australia Day will see about 50 citizenship ceremonies held at Council Chambers and Town Halls, on beaches and in parks and in a theatre, in many different New South Wales localities.
Most citizenship ceremonies will form an element of community celebrations - barbecues, picnics, multicultural events, concerts and more.
Some municipalities will make citizenship awards and at least one (Warringah) will bury a time capsule.
And as new citizens pledge themselves to their new country, many Australians will take the opportunity to affirm their loyalty, because citizenship is something for everybody to think about, not just migrants.
25 January 2000