Record number become citizens on Australia Day
Published on 20 January 2026
A record number of 121 Fraser Coast residents will officially become Australian citizens at a special ceremony next Monday, marking the largest citizenship ceremony ever held on Australia Day in the region’s history.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Council was delighted to see so many people choosing to become Australian citizens and to call the Fraser Coast home.
“The first citizenship ceremony of 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to welcome our newest Australians and celebrate the shared values that unite our nation,” he said.
“Our new citizens are aged from three to 76 and originate from 28 different countries of birth.
“Twenty of our new citizens originate from New Zealand, a further 15 from the Philippines and the remaining from countries including India, South Africa, the United States and Nepal.
“The ceremony marks an unforgettable moment for those involved, as new citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and begin an exciting new chapter in their lives.”
Cr Seymour said the Fraser Coast community benefits from the skills, experiences and cultural diversity new citizens bring, enriching the region through their involvement in local life.
“Nationally, more than 25,450 people from 160 countries have been invited to attend more than 425 citizenship ceremonies hosted by local government councils as part of Australia Day events,” he said.
“Fraser Coast Regional Council conducts citizenship ceremonies every two to three months across the region, with seven ceremonies held last year welcoming 292 new Australians from 39 different countries of birth.
“Doors open at the Brolga Theatre at 8.30am for next Monday’s ceremony, with the Australia Day Awards presentation starting at 9.00am. The ceremonies are free, and all members of the community are welcome to attend.”
Other community events celebrating Australia Day include:
- Australia Day Community Breakfast and Games – Queens Park, Maryborough – 6:30am
- Family Fun Day & Cricket Match – River Heads from 9am
- Australia Day at Burgowan Bowls Club – Torbanlea from 11am
- Australia Day at the Hervey Bay Historical Society Museum from 9:30am
- Australia Day celebrations at Poona from 10am
- Australia Day celebrations at Maaroom from 10am
More information about Australia Day events is available at: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Events-Calendar/Australia-Day-Events
The next Fraser Coast Citizenship Ceremony will be held in March 2026.
Further information about Fraser Coast Citizenship Ceremonies is available on Council’s website: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Community-Support/Citizenship
For more information about Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au