Acting Consul General Kidar Singh heading R-Day celebrations in Sydney

Sydneysiders gathered in large numbers at the Counsul General’s residence in Killara to celebrate the Indian Republic Day with the Acting Consul General Mr. Kidar Singh reading out the message by President Mrs. Pratibha Patil after hoisting the Tricolour. This was followed by refreshments and patriotic songs. The day also is Australia day and a public holiday and the roads being empty people gathered there in large numbers and took this as an opportunity to network.

On the R-Day eve, United India Association (UIA) hosted a special dinner programme on 25 January 09 at the Port Orient Restaurant, Darling Harbour. The programme included speeches and cultural performances.Federation of Australian Indian Associations Inc (FAIA) hosted the celebrations at the Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground on 25 January 2009. The programme included speeches, cultural performances, Food and community Stalls

Sydney wore a festive look everywhere as people thronged the Victoria Park in the city and Sydney Convention Centre in Darling Harbour where Premier’s office held the flag hoisting ceremony.

On this occasion 13000 people from 120 countries became citizens of Australia. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said Australia’s newest citizens will join more than four million other people who have chosen to become Australian citizens since the first citizenship ceremony in 1949.

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

“The 60th anniversary of citizenship is an opportunity for us to reflect on the changes that have shaped our nation over the past six decades, and a chance for all Australians to understand the role that citizenship plays in building a strong and unified nation.

“Australia has been enriched by the cultures and traditions of people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to make a home in our great nation.

“Australia Day is a chance for all Australians to enjoy our nation’s special day and celebrate being part of such a wonderful country.”

There will be 318 citizenship ceremonies across Australia today ranging from small events in remote communities to a massive ceremony in Western Australia where 1900 people from 90 nations will become citizens.  

The largest number of new citizens will be welcomed in Queensland, where 3400 people become citizens at different ceremonies throughout the state. More than 2600 people will become citizens at 50 ceremonies in Victoria, while New South Wales will play host to 100 events for another 2800 new Australians. In Tasmania, about 220 new citizens will be welcomed while in the Northern Territory, almost 100 people will become Australians.

In New South Wales’ Ashfield, Burwood and Strathfield Minister for Citizenship, Virginia Judge, celebrated Australia Day with 165 new citizens who took their Citizenship pledge at ceremonies.

Ms Judge urged all new citizens to make their own special contribution and build bridges to the world from the communities they choose to settle in.

“It is fitting that so many people affirmed their commitment to Australia on our national day, when we reflect on what it means to be Australian and celebrate our values of freedom, service and achievement,” she said.

Ms Judge said it was vital that new citizens participate fully in Australian democracy.

“Citizenship entails rights and responsibilities and a sense of belonging whether Australia is the country of our birth or where we choose to make our home,” she said.

“For our democracy to work effectively, citizens must be well-informed about the way we are governed, their rights and responsibilities.

“As Minister for Citizenship, I will remain vigilant to my commitment to promote equal rights and responsibilities for all residents.”

These include:

• The right to vote.

• The right to apply for any public office or to nominate for election to Parliament.

• The right to apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter the country without a resident return visa.

• The right to seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas.

• The right to apply to enlist in the Australian Defence Forces and for government jobs.

• The right to register your child as an Australian citizen by descent.

Ms Judge said each new citizen would play a role building the nation into the future.

“They add to the richness of our diverse identity, from the first Australians, whose culture we celebrate as one of the oldest continuing countries in human history, through the generations who have helped shape our national family,” Ms Judge said

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