New Aussies welcomed this Australian Citizenship Day
Port Augusta City Council marked Australian Citizenship Day by welcoming 10 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony on Thursday 17 September 2026.
The ceremony was held on Barngarla and Nukunu Country and is one of the key events in Port Augusta City Council’s Australian Citizenship Day celebrations for 2026.
Mayor Linley Shine said today’s ceremony is one of many ceremonies taking place across Australia that will see thousands of people officially become new citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.
“Australian Citizenship Day is a chance to recognise the value of citizenship and the shared commitment that brings Australians together, whether we are citizens by birth or by choice,” Mayor Shine said.
Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools and community organisations to reflect on the contributions of all citizens, new and old, to our local communities.
“Today we warmly welcome our newest citizens and encourage everyone in Port Augusta to reflect on their rights, responsibilities and shared values that come with Australian citizenship in our vibrant and diverse multicultural society.”
For more information about Australian Citizenship Day, Australian citizenship (including eligibility criteria and application process), and our shared values, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.
Media contact: Port Augusta City Council Media and Communications Officer (08) 8641 9100
Melissa Kretschmer
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Port Augusta City Council
ABOUT AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP DAY
- The Australian Government established Australian Citizenship Day in 2001 in response to a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council in their 2000 report Australian Citizenship for a New Century.
- Australian citizenship was created through the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 and came into effect on 26 January 1949.
- 17 September was chosen as Australian Citizenship Day as it is the anniversary of the renaming, in 1973, of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
- The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (the Act) provides for a shared identity through citizenship. The Act defines Australian citizenship and the pathways by which it can be acquired.