Cessnock City Council will welcome more than 30 new citizens and recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to the local community, to mark Australia Day on January 26.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Dan Watton is inviting the community to a formal ceremony taking place at Performance Arts Culture Centre (PACC), at 198 Vincent Street, Cessnock, from 10am.
"Australia Day is a time to reflect, respect, and celebrate the Australian spirit and the best of this vast country; our mateship, our sense of community, our resilience, and looking to the future with optimism and unity," said Clr Watton.
"It is a chance to come together to remember our history, think about the future, and reflect on what makes us Australian – from First Nations people who have been on this land for 65,000 years, to our newest citizens."
Cessnock Local Government Area's Australia Day Ambassador for 2025, renowned mental health advocate and speaker, Nic Newling, will be a special guest as awards are handed out for Citizen of the Year categories, sport, and a range of exceptional community contributions.
People from Fiji, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Moldova, Russia, United Kingdom, and Nepal will make up the cohort of 33 who will become Australian citizens at PACC.
Wonnarua Elder Uncle Richard Edwards will provide the Welcome to Country, and Hunter country music star Tara Naysmith will perform.
Aboriginal Cultural Immersion will conduct a smoking ceremony followed by a Song-man performance of traditional song-lines with the backing of Didgeridoo and clap sticks.
Auslan Stage Left interpreter Cindy Brady will assist throughout the morning as part of Council's commitment to inclusive events.
Meanwhile, the turnstiles at Council's pools will spin free-of-charge between 10am and 4pm, with a free barbecue, lamingtons and icy poles. Roving entertainers will also be at Cessnock and Branxton pools between 12pm and 2pm.
