Celebrating Australia Day: A Vibrant Ceremony and Awards Presentation in Sussex Inlet

This Sunday, 26 January, Shoalhaven City Council is organizing a joint event of Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at Swordfish Brewing in Sussex Inlet.  

At the occasion, 32 recipients from 12 different countries will become Australian citizens, and this will take place just before the Sussex Inlet Community Picnic begins at noon.   

Mayor Patricia White, who is co-hosting the gathering with Deputy Mayor, Peter Wilkins, expressed her enthusiasm for welcoming our newest Australians and acknowledging the remarkable contributions of individuals in the Shoalhaven region. 

“The Australia Day Awards by the Council aim to highlight the diligent and often unnoticed efforts of our local residents,” Cr White stated. 

“Every nominee has gone the extra mile to transform the Shoalhaven into the extraordinary community it is today, and I am eager to honor them for their unselfish commitment to the community,” she added. 

“Our 32 recipients will also experience the spirit of community as we recognize our nominees for their voluntary contributions or their commitment to giving back.” 

Cr White mentioned her privilege in welcoming Andy Paschalidis, the Shoalhaven’s representative for Australia Day, who will be delivering the Australia Day address. Mr. Paschalidis is a distinguished sports journalist, broadcaster, and humanitarian who has participated in the Australia Day Ambassador program since 1996. 

This year features three award categories: 

• Citizen Award: 25 years and older
• Young Citizen Award: 24 years and younger
• Proudly Shoalhaven Award: available to individuals, volunteers, service groups, and community organizations.

The Citizenship Ceremony will welcome our latest citizens from Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, India, Iran, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States. 

The Council event is scheduled from 10:30 AM to noon, where award nominees and conferees will be welcomed into Swordfish Brewing for the formal proceedings.

The Sussex Inlet Australia Day Community Picnic starts at noon at Ellmoos Reserve (in front of Swordfish Brewing) where families can enjoy live music and food by the river. Attendees arriving early for the picnic are invited to observe the Council’s ceremony from the grassy area below the deck.