Bayside Council will celebrate Australian Citizenship Day on Tuesday 17 September with a with citizenship ceremony in the Rockdale Town Hall to welcome our newest citizens with the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP acting as the Presiding Officer.
Australian Citizenship Day, celebrated on 17 September every year, is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.
Whether we are citizens by birth or by choice it is a chance for all Australians to celebrate the democratic values that unite us as Australians.
This year Tuesday 17 September also marks the 75 Anniversary of Australian Citizenship.
On 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 became law. It was the first time that the term 'Australian citizen' had been used in any Australian legislation, including the Australian Constitution. Although the Act has been changed since 1948, it is still the basis for how a person becomes an Australian citizen.
Until 1949 there was no such thing as an Australian citizen. Before that, anyone born in Australia was a British subject. The Australian Constitution didn't mention 'Australian citizenship', and when Australians travelled overseas they were given a British passport.
The ceremony will be live streamed on Council's Facebook page.
