Lord Mayor Welcomes New Citizens and Honors Community Leaders on Australia Day

Lord Mayor Welcomes New Citizens and Honors Community Leaders on Australia Day

Today, Monday, 26 January 2026, Wollongong City Council is hosting a series of official sessions and ceremonies to mark Australia Day. Lord Mayor Tania Brown is presiding over these formal proceedings, which serve as the city's primary government activities for the public holiday.

Formal Citizenship Ceremony at Wollongong Town Hall

The day’s civic activities began this morning at the Wollongong Town Hall with the city's largest annual Citizenship Ceremony. Starting at 9:55 AM, the session saw numerous local residents take their pledge of commitment to become Australia’s newest citizens. As the presiding officer, Lord Mayor Tania Brown formally welcomed the candidates, highlighting the significant role that new citizens play in the cultural and economic fabric of the Illawarra region.

While the ceremony is a celebratory milestone for many families, it remains an official statutory session conducted by the local government on behalf of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The ceremony included a performance by the Wollongong Harmony Chorus and concluded with the formal presentation of citizenship certificates to the new residents.

Recognition of the 2026 City of Wollongong Awards

In conjunction with the day's formal events, the Council is officially recognizing the recipients of the 2026 City of Wollongong Awards. These honors are bestowed upon individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community over the past year. Lord Mayor Brown noted that the awards cover nine categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Senior Citizen of the Year, alongside awards for innovation, arts, and environmental sustainability.

The Mayor praised the award recipients for their dedication, stating that the winners exemplify the passion and energy required to inspire positive change within the city. These awards are a key component of the Council’s annual recognition program and are traditionally announced and celebrated during the Australia Day sessions.

Council-Led Community Event at Wollongong Harbour

The official program continues into the evening with a Council-organized community event at Wollongong Harbour and Osborne Park. The session is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM with a formal Welcome to Country by Uncle Richard Davis. The evening activities, which are alcohol-free and family-focused, include cultural art workshops, roving entertainment, and live music.

Lord Mayor Brown confirmed that the day's activities will conclude with a major fireworks display over the harbour at 9:00 PM. This display is particularly anticipated following the cancellation of the city's New Year’s Eve fireworks due to adverse weather conditions.

Upcoming Legislative Business

While today is dedicated to ceremonial and community activities, the Council’s regular legislative business will resume shortly. The first Ordinary Council Meeting of 2026, which will include formal agenda items and policy votes, is scheduled for Monday, 2 February 2026, at the Council Chambers on Burelli Street.