Australia Day Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony

Australia Day is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit and the best of this country, especially in light of the challenges of this past year in responding to and managing through a global pandemic.   In Darwin, Australia Day will be marked with a special Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony, a 21 Gun Salute, fighter jet flypast, and free pool entry across the municipality.   The Australia Day Ceremony at the Darwin Convention Centre from 10am Tuesday will see 55 people from 18 different countries become Australian citizens.   Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, who will perform official citizenship duties at the ceremony, said it is particularly special to be welcoming new Australian citizens to our country on Australia’s national day.   “To receive Australian citizenship is a great honour, and to receive citizenship on Australia Day is an occasion that will never be forgotten, and I speak of this from my own experience,” Mr Vatskalis said.   “Australia Day is a time to respect the traditional owners of our great land, to reflect on our achievements and also our mistakes so we don’t repeat them again; and to celebrate our cultural diversity, inclusion, resilience in the face of adversity and community spirit where we pull together and support and look out for one another.   “It is a special time to welcome those who have decided to make Australia, and in particular Darwin, their new home.”   Citizen Awards will be presented at the Darwin ceremony to recognise some local legends who go above and beyond in their civic efforts and an outstanding community event that reflects how even in the face of a global pandemic, our greatest strength is our community.   The flyover of a fighter jet and a 21 Gun Salute takes place at The Cenotaph on The Esplanade at 12pm. City of Darwin is also providing all day free admission to the Casuarina, Nightcliff and Parap pools as part of Australia Day