New South Wales Celebrates Australia Day 2010

New South Wales Celebrates Australia Day 2010

Media release

25 January 2010

About 3600 people from more than 50 countries will become citizens during 101 special Australia Day ceremonies in New South Wales tomorrow.

Nationwide, a record 16 500 people from 144 countries will become citizens at 350 ceremonies on and around Australia Day making 2010 celebrations the biggest ever.

In NSW, highlight events include a special ceremony in Sydney's Hyde Park hosted by the NSW Premier while one of the state's smallest ceremonies at Broken Hill will welcome two new citizens.

Israeli-born architect, Ariel Trop, and his Polish wife, Malgorzata, will become citizens at the Hyde Park ceremony. Mr Trop has called Australia home for five years and is very excited to become a citizen as the whole nation celebrates.

"We love Australia because it is so multicultural and inclusive but what we love best is the weather," Mr Trop said.

January 26 is a chance for everyone to celebrate the diversity on which Australia is built.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said Australia has been enriched by the cultures of people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to call Australia home.

"Becoming an Australian citizen shows commitment and loyalty to this country and a desire to share in our common future," Senator Evans said.

"Australian citizenship is about people embracing a new national identity and a chance for all Australians to understand the role citizenship plays in building a strong, unified nation.

"Our citizenship is something we should all actively celebrate on Australia Day.

"I invite everyone attending ceremonies to also celebrate their commitment to Australia by joining in the affirmation and publicly stating their loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people."

Note to media: Broadcast-quality audio grabs from Senator Evans and further information on Australian citizenship are available online at: www.newsroom.immi.gov.au

For interviews with new citizens: Contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship National Communications Branch on (02) 6264 2244.

Media Contacts: Simon Dowding (02) 6277 7860 or 0411 138 541 (Minister's office)

DIAC National Communications Branch on (02) 6264 2244


SOURCE: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship