In a significant decision, Lake Macquarie City Council has opted to revive its citizenship ceremony on Australia Day, marking a return to tradition after relocating the event to a different date last year.
The newly-elected Labor mayor of Lake Macquarie, Adam Shultz, will oversee the citizenship ceremony at Rathmines Theatre on Sunday, January 26. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to align with federal guidelines regarding citizenship ceremonies.
While some local government areas, including Lake Macquarie in the previous year, had chosen to adjust the date of their Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, Mayor Shultz believes that January 26 holds particular significance for such events. Expressing his view on the matter, Mayor Shultz emphasized the importance of adhering to federal directives on hosting citizenship ceremonies.
Australia Day has been a contentious topic, with increasing calls to reconsider the date due to its historical implications for Indigenous communities. Despite differing opinions on the matter, the federal government’s stance on conducting citizenship ceremonies surrounding Australia Day remains pivotal.
In conjunction with the citizenship ceremony, the Lake Mac Festival is set to kick off with fireworks displays at various locations, including Belmont, Warners Bay, and Toronto. The festival program will feature a range of events spanning several months, catering to diverse interests within the community.
As Lake Macquarie reinstates its Australia Day citizenship ceremony, it underscores the council’s commitment to upholding traditions while also acknowledging the evolving perspectives on this national day of commemoration.
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