Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated annually on 17th September annually in Australia. This day is for Australians by birth or choice to celebrate and appreciate their country.
Australia is one of the more diverse countries in the world. It is estimated that seven million people have immigrated to the country since 1945 and that one in two Australians have a non-Australian parent.
The Australian citizenship ceremony, a formal, government-required event for everyone trying to become an Australian citizen. On this day new citizens pledge their commitment while long-time citizens reaffirm their love and solidarity for their country.
| Event | Australian Citizenship Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | Australians, whether they are natives or have chosen to live there |
| Observed by | Australia |
Australian Citizenship Day History:
In the post world war world Australia has emerged as one of the top destinations for immigration in the world. And since then about 7 million people had been immigrated to Australia whereas total population of Australia is only about 26 million. It is estimated that 26% of the population of Australia today are born overseas and 20% of them speak a language other than English at their homes.
The Australian Citizenship Ceremony has long been a part of becoming an Australian citizen. The formal event is held by officials to welcome the newcomers and it was created for the first time in 1949. Then in 1999, on the occassion of the ceremony’s 50th anniversary, a new addition to the ceremony was introduced, the Australian citizenship affirmation, a pledge that publicly declares commitment to the country. This one-time celebration became a permanent feature and it was created because of the citizens' request.
Then after this first ceremony was held in 1999 two years later Australian Citizenship Day was officially declared as a holiday and it was created on 17th September, 2001 coinciding with the Centenary of Federation . The day was a product of proud Australians to honor their country and also to welcome new citizens of the country with full grand ceremonies and celebrating their pledge to their new country.
Previously, the only ones to participate in affirmation ceremonies were those newly joining the country. Now all Australians can participate and hold their affirmation ceremony, even if Australia is the only home they have ever known. So it became a day for all Australian citizens to celebrate in honor of their country.
Australian Citizenship Day Significance:
Australian Citizenship Day is managed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It is an opportunity for all Australian citizens, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on the meaning and importance of their citizenship. The day is used as an opportunity to think about what unites all Australians, to take pride in Australia's democratic values and to celebrate the role citizens play in shaping the nation.
It is a day in which all the Australian citizens be the immigrants or the ones who have been born in Australia to celebrate their citizenship and also to reaffirm their commitment to the Australian state that you will act as a responsible citizen towards the country and will always abide by the law of the state.
Australia is relatively a very young but a very developed country and hence it has become a top choice of immigration around the world and the Australian state also encourages immigration through their policies as they requires a large and skilled workforce for the development and growth of their country. As Australia's population is only 26 million while it is a very large country by landmass even if we remove all inhabitable regions of Australia it is still quite large. So this day also raises awareness about the importance of immigrants for Australia to the local population.
So this day also works as an awareness program regarding the act of granting Australian citizenship as still we see many cases of racism, violence and discrimination cases against the immigrants in the country which is very sad and unfortunate. Hence all Australians must be aware about that how immigration plays a crucial role in upliftment of the country.
Australian Citizenship Day Celebrations:
If you are an Australian citizen doesn't matter whether you are a new or former citizen, this holiday allows everyone to pledge their allegiance to the country. Publicly announce your commitment to your country and your understanding of your privileges and duty as a citizen. This is the prime motive of this day as well.
Since 2001, the DIBP has promoted Australian Citizenship Day by holding special citizenship and affirmation ceremonies and other events around the country highlighting the day. Local government councils are encouraged to hold special citizenship ceremonies and affirmation ceremonies on or around this day. Across Australia, thousands of people become Australian citizens each year at these special Australian Citizenship Day ceremonies.
Schools, organisations and community groups are also encouraged to organise special events and activities on this day. Many schools in Australia build on the theory learnt by students in their civics and citizenship education by holding celebrations on Australian Citizenship Day. For example, by holding a school assembly where students speak about what it means to them to be Australian, hosting an Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony or partnering with local councils to attend, or host, an Australian citizenship ceremony.
Most Searched FAQs on Australian Citizenship Day:
1. When is Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated?
Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated annually on 17th September in Australia.
2. How often are Australian citizenship ceremonies held?
Australian citizenship ceremonies are held between every two to three months.
3. How long is the wait between citizenship test and ceremony?
It takes approximately six months.