No plans by City of Busselton to change Australia Day ceremonies

The City of Busselton will not be changing the way or date that it celebrates Australia Day until directed by the Federal Government.

More than 80 councils across Australia are reported to have changed or halted their Australia Day citizenship ceremonies in response to community requests, particularly around the negative impact on Aboriginal people.

Busselton mayor Phill Cronin said the council had a clear position of not changing activities or its approach to Australia Day.

“Until the Federal Government calls for a change of date, the city will continue to support its local community groups to welcome new Australian citizens,” Mr Cronin said.

This year’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony on Busselton Foreshore will involve 41 new citizens from 19 nations.

The new citizens come from Afghanistan, Belgium, Cook Islands, England, France, Ghana, India, Ireland, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Nepal, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Wales and Zimbabwe.

Mr Cronin said the City of Busselton would also continue to run its Australia Day citizen of the year awards, which acknowledge individuals and organisation that have contributed to the community.

There are seven nominees in this year’s awards, which include youth community, community and senior community categories.

“Congratulations in advance to our winners and all those nominated,” Mr Cronin said.

He said Busselton was a popular destination for families looking to enjoy Australia Day.

“There are plenty of ways to celebrate Australia Day in Busselton, but most of those celebrations are centred around our beautiful foreshores,” he said.

Hosted by Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay, Busselton’s Australia Day celebrations will start at 7am at the Busselton Foreshore Amphitheatre.

Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association will again host Dunsborough’s Australia Day ceremony from 9.30am on the Dunsborough Foreshore.

Mr Cronin encouraged those choosing to celebrate to take precautions and accept responsibility for their behaviour.

“If celebrating Australia Day in and around water, please always supervise your children, avoid alcohol and wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing,” he said.

“However you choose to celebrate the day, enjoy.”