Request MCC to not hold Citizenship Ceremonies on Jan 26

Success!! At the Maribyrnong Council Meeting on Tuesday 12 September 2023, Council unanimously supported the Officer Report:

That Council:

1. Notes the recent changes to the Federal Governments Citizenship Code, which enables Council’s to choose to hold Citizenship Ceremonies on dates three days either before or after 26 January;

2. Discontinues Citizenship Ceremonies on January 26, in recognition that 26 January is considered a day of reflection, mourning and loss for many First Nations Communities;

3. Schedules future Citizenship Ceremonies in adherence to the Federal Government Citizenship Code rules, on the three days either side of January 26; and

4. Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to determine the exact date for Citizenship Ceremonies in future years based on operational requirements.

Further information about this decision will be posted on this site in the near future.

For more information about January 26 and ‘Australia Day’ please see information on our January 26 page. 

Acknowledgement of Country

JAM! meets and works in ‘Mirring-gnay-bir-nong’ (Maribyrnong), which can translate as ‘I can hear a ringtail possum’, on the stolen lands of the Bunurong/Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge, recognise and respect their Ancestors, Elders and families as the traditional owners of this land who have never ceded sovereignty.

Warning – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, please be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Support – If you require support, please contact 13 9276 (YARN) or The Healing Foundation.

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