Townsville reflects on Australian Citizenship Day 2017

Townsville City Council will welcome 21 new citizens at a special citizenship ceremony this Sunday, September 17, as part of Australian Citizenship Day 2017.

The conferees from 11 different nations will become Australian citizens as part of a ceremony at council’s forecourt in Walker St at 10am.

Acting Mayor Les Walker said the ceremony was an opportunity for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by pledge, to come together to acknowledge what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

“Australian citizenship is a privilege – it’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, security, democracy, equality and respect,” Cr Walker said.

This year, some 87 ceremonies, arranged by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and local councils will be staged around Australia to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day, with more than 4,480 people set to become Australian citizens as part of this special occasion.

Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to reflect on the values of Australian citizenship and the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

“I encourage everyone in Townsville to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome all those becoming citizens,” Cr Walker said.