Australia Day in Bayside
Bayside City Council marks Australia Day with a flag raising, citizenship ceremony and our Australia Day Awards that recognise local residents who have made a significant contribution to Bayside.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Hanna El Mouallem said January 26 is a significant day for many Australians, while also recognising that it is not a day of celebration for many First Nations peoples.
On Australia Day we celebrate the rich contribution of all Australians, whether they are the indigenous people of this great land, descendants of the early settlers, or a migrant or refugee who has chosen to make Australia home. There is much to celebrate about our wonderful country.
“I immigrated to Australia in 2000 and I am so proud to live in Australia and call myself Australian,” Cr Mouallem said.
“To me, it is the people and opportunities that make Australia so special. As Baysiders we are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country with a connected and kind hearted community. ”
“However you choose to spend the day, take some time to reflect, respect and celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people.”
Australia is home to people from many different backgrounds and cultures with the history of Australia’s First Nations Peoples spanning 65,000 years.
Jeremy Abbott, an Aboriginal descendant of the Pini people and Reconciliation Advisory Committee member said, “26 January, for me, is a day of reflection. It is reflecting on this country’s history, my family’s past and in particular remembering my Grandfather who was a Stolen Generation’s child.”
“I encourage all Australians to acknowledge, reflect and educate themselves on this day”.
The Australia Day citizenship ceremony will be held at Brighton Town Hall and will welcome 80 new citizens from 30 countries that now call Australia home.
Winners of the Australia Day Awards will be awarded at an evening ceremony at Sandringham Yacht Club. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year.
