Despite recent incorrect media reports, Kempsey Shire Council has confirmed that it has made no major change to the Australia Day events proposed for January 2019.
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The shire’s formal Australia Day Awards ceremony has been held on Australia Day eve (January 25) over the past four years. This timing bought the Kempsey celebrations in line with the format delivered by the Australia Day Council in Canberra, announcing the national award winners on the eve of Australia Day.
General manager Craig Milburn said this allows members of council to attend celebrations on the 26th.
“With attendance at the awards event increasing annually, we are confident that this format encourages community participation ahead of the holiday.
“It also allows the Australia Day Ambassador, award winners, councillors and community members to attend the important local community celebrations that are held at Crescent Head and South West Rocks on Australia Day,” Mr Milburn said.
Over the last two years council have also sought to include and invite the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year in community activities throughout the year.
Traditionally, council has always held a citizenship ceremony as part of the formal awards event on Australia Day eve.
Following a recent resolution of council, for 2019 Kempsey Shire Council has offered upcoming Citizenship candidates the option of holding their ceremony as part of the awards event or holding a separate citizenship ceremony on January 26. To date all candidates have chosen to be part of the formal Awards ceremony on January 25.
“Kempsey Council has made no move to change Australia Day celebrations from January 26. If anything, we have increased the celebrations by adding the option of a second citizenship ceremony on Australia Day,” Mr Milburn said.
In collaboration with the Australian Department of Immigration, Kempsey Shire Council holds regular Citizenship Ceremonies throughout the year, not just coinciding with Australia Day.
Nominations for 2019 Australia Day Awards close on Friday November 30 with the nomination form available from council’s website or the customer service centre.
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