Published on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 1:17:53 PM
The City of Busselton is set to host its largest Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Community Citizen of the Year Awards next Monday, 26 January 2026, commencing at 9.00am at the Busselton foreshore amphitheatre.
This ceremony will be among one of 325 Australia Day citizenship events held across the country. The City’s Citizenship Ceremony will welcome a record 89 people from 21 different countries as part of its official Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. From Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, France, Germany, South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Zimbabwe, new citizens will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge before hundreds of family members and friends, formally marking their decision to call Australia home.
The City’s Mayor, Phill Cronin said: As Mayor, one of my greatest privileges is officiating the City’s Citizenship Ceremonies. “Last year, we proudly welcomed 118 new citizens in total and this Australia Day we will mark an unprecedented milestone with 89 applicants taking the pledge. It will be a significant and meaningful occasion, celebrating both Australian citizenship and the rich cultural diversity of our community. Their decision to embrace Australian citizenship reflects a shared commitment to our values and our future, and we are proud to celebrate this important milestone with them. We are delighted that our newest Australians have chosen the City of Busselton as their home.”
“Australia Day provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared journey as a nation and to renew our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive country for generations to come and I welcome all the community to attend this great event. Fellow Councillors, Busselton Brass Band, Federal Member of Forrest, Ben Small MP and Member for Vasse, Libby Mettam MLA will also join in the day of celebrations.”
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards will follow the Citizenship Ceremony. With a total of seven nominees, the awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise individuals and groups who play a vital role in delivering services and experiences across the City. The awards recognising outstanding contributions in the categories of Community Citizen of the Year, Young Community Citizen of the Year, Senior Community Citizen of the Year and Active Citizenship by a group or event.
The Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay will be hosting a full cooked breakfast from 7.30am, including tea and coffee (adults $10.00ea and children under 10 $5.00ea), along with an Aussie dress up and free family entertainment at the Busselton Foreshore. Bring your own chairs and picnic rugs.
Dunsborough Progress Association is again hosting the Dunsborough Australia Day celebration at the Dunsborough foreshore, commencing at 9.00am. Celebrations will include a flag raising ceremony, national anthem, speeches and the presentation of the Naturaliste Gratitude Awards that acknowledge and thank local volunteers who work quietly in the community. These recipients are nominated by their groups, family or friends.
Visit the City of Busselton’s Events Calendar for further information.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Lifestyle – Our community is safe, welcoming and inclusive, with access to services and facilities to support good health and wellbeing.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
Latest Media Releases: busselton.wa.gov.au/news/media-releases
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