AUSTRALIA DAY

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone across our local community to celebrate Australia Day this Friday, January 26th.

Australia Day is a time that we celebrate our great nation and the many things we enjoy that make us the lucky country.

We are a nation that brings together an Indigenous heritage of more than 60,000 years and migrants that have come here from right around the world, helping to build the wonderful nation we live in today.

Many of our local councils and community organisations have organised events to mark Australia Day.

It is a chance to spend time at the beach and along our rivers, enjoy a barbecue, hike in our hinterland or along the coastal walks, sharing time with family and friends, and reflecting on and celebrating the great nation we live in.

For many proud migrants who have walked the path and are now realising their dream of becoming an Australian citizen, Australia Day is a memorable day of celebrations in that journey.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the various councils which will be holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

However, I am disappointed that MidCoast Council has made a political decision to move the Australia Day citizenship ceremony to January 29th, having previously held Australia Day citizenship ceremonies each year on January 26th.

I can see no reason why the citizenship ceremony date needs to be changed and I know that the vast majority of our community will be disappointed too.

Citizenship ceremonies across the Lyne electorate are as follows:

Port Stephens Council: January 26th, 9.30am Riverside Rotunda, Riverside Waterfront, Raymond Terrace and 1pm Fly Point Amphitheatre, Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay

Maitland City Council: January 26th, 10.30am, Maitland Town Hall Auditorium

Dungog Shire Council: January 26th, 9am: James Theatre

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council: January 26th, 9am, Glasshouse Theatre

MidCoast Council: January 29th, 2pm, Coolongolook Room, Forster Civic Centre

Councils and community organisations have also organised a range of Australia Day activities in the Lyne electorate.