2022
WODONGA AUSTRALIA DAY Official Program
wodonga.vic.gov.au
WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA DAY 2022 We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting. We pay our respects to their Elders and to Elders from other communities who may be here today.
As we celebrate the national day and reflect on what it means to be Australian, it is also a time to recognise volunteers in our community who make our city a great place to live.
On behalf of Wodonga Council and my fellow councillors, I am delighted to welcome you to Wodonga’s Australia Day celebrations for 2022.
Today you will hear about the great things our fantastic Australia Day award winners are doing in our community.
January 26 is an important date in Australia’s history and has changed over time: starting as a celebration for emancipated convicts and evolving into what is now a celebration of Australia that reflects the nation’s diverse people. Today, Australia Day serves as a day of celebration as we recognise the contribution that every Australian makes to our contemporary and dynamic country.
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I would like to welcome the 10 Wodonga residents who will become Australian citizens today. Enjoy today’s celebration and take the time to reflect on this special day.
Cr Kev Poulton Wodonga Mayor
TODAY’S PROGRAM 8.30am Citizenship ceremony ∙ Welcome speech and introduction of officials
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Preamble to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 Introduction of Citizens and Pledge of Commitment Presentation of posies by Wodonga Girl Guides Public affirmation National anthem - Advance Australia Fair
Australia Day awards ∙ Announcement and presentation of ∙
Wodonga’s Citizen of the Year and Community Organisation of the Year Closure of ceremony
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PREAMBLE To the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 Australian citizenship represents full and formal membership of the community of the Commonwealth of Australia; and, Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, uniting Australians, while respecting their diversity. Persons on whom Australian citizenship is conferred, enjoy these rights and undertake to accept these obligations: • By pledging loyalty to Australia and its people, and, • By sharing their democratic beliefs, and, • By respecting their rights and liberties, and, • By upholding and obeying the laws of Australia.
TODAY’S NEW CITIZENS Today we acknowledge the 10 residents of Wodonga who will be welcomed as new citizens of Australia. These new Australians hail from The Philippines, Nepal, India, United Kingdom, Mauritius and Poland.
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PUBLIC AFFIRMATION The affirmation is a statement of commitment to the values that all Australians share. It is based on the citizenship pledge, which all our new citizens have made this morning. The affirmation pledge is a voluntary statement. The Mayor will invite all those in attendance to read the affirmation as a way of expressing our national pride and spirit. Non-Australian citizens can join in at the second line.
AFFIRMATION As an Australian citizen, I affirm my loyalty to Australia and its people, Whose democratic beliefs I share, Whose rights and liberties I respect, and Whose laws I uphold and obey.
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ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. Beneath our radiant Southern Cross, We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours, Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas, We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.
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PROUD SUPPORTERS Wodonga Council thanks the following organisations Major sponsor
Specialising in the construction and maintenance of Streetscapes, Playspaces and Reserves, Environmental, and Commercial landscapes.
Supporting organisations • Wodonga Brass Band • Wodonga Girl Guides The council acknowledges their support and sincerely thanks this group for making the ceremony special.
PLEASE NOTE: Photography will occur during the course of this event. Please inform a member of staff if you or your child does not wish to be photographed.