A day for all Australians

January 25, 2022

On Australia Day 2022, more than 16,000 people from over 150 nations, will attend one of more than 400 Australian citizenship ceremonies across the country. Many citizens will also be recognised for their dedicated service to the community, sporting and cultural life of their communities through Australia Day Awards.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud congratulated those being recognised with Australia Day Awards and all those becoming citizens of Australia, particularly those in his Maranoa electorate.

“Becoming a citizen of Australia brings with it many responsibilities, but at the forefront is getting involved in your local community, giving back to it – that’s the Australian way,” he said.

“The people being acknowledged with Australia Day awards, they live the ‘giving back’ ethos, often humbly and without fanfare.”

Mr Littleproud said that Australia Day is a day to reflect on the past, respect each other’s stories and celebrate our future together.

“We are all part of the story of Australia,” he said.

“I recognise that Australia Day has many different meanings to many different Australians.

“We are a modern, multicultural, democratic nation with a very ancient and rich history and it’s important to acknowledge those layers of history and meaning accumulated over thousands of years,” he said.

“It’s also important all Australians can mark the day in a way that is right for them. It’s vital that Australians respect the rights of others to mark and celebrate Australia Day how they choose.”

For Mr Littleproud, the best way to reflect, respect and celebrate is to do something Australian.

“Get together with family and friends or go to a local Australia Day event,” he urged.

“Now more than ever, Australians don’t want to be divided, they want to be united, they want to be together with family and friends.

“Whether that’s at a backyard barbeque, a long table lunch on the Balonne, Great Australian Bites at Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre, or an Aussie-themed lunch or dinner at your local pub or restaurant, throw your support behind a business or a community organisation in your patch.”

“Happy Australia Day.”