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Federal Government Won't Allow Fremantle To Move Australia Day Ceremony

Original citizenship ceremonies are set to go ahead as planned on the 26th.
The federal government won't allow the city of Fremantle to move Australia Day celebrations.
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The federal government won't allow the city of Fremantle to move Australia Day celebrations.

The federal government has refused to back plans set in motion by the West Australian city of Fremantle to move its Australia Day cermony from January 26 to January 28 for a "culturally inclusive alternative".

The city's decision to move the celebrations to the 28th -- came last month out of respect to the Indigenous community in a move it said is "an opportunity for all Australians to come together on another day".

In a Facebook post on Friday, the City of Fremantle said all new citizens would have the option to attend citizenship ceremonies held at the Fremantle Town Hall Centre on January 26 while the 'One Day In Fremantle' celebrations on the 28th will include an informal recognition of the migrants who call the city home.

"Our Council made the decision to provide the option of attending a culturally inclusive event on 28 January. We are receiving strong support from our community, and beyond, about this decision," the post said.

"While the feedback from new citizens was that they would be happy to be conferred citizenship at the 'One Day' event, the Federal Government has not supported a ceremony on this date."

The council has also announced it plans to write to all new citizens to inform them of the renewed plans and the option available to them to attend the official ceremony on January 26 or another ceremony on March 14.

"We welcome Australians celebrating, in whichever way they see fit, the wonderful and diverse place in which we live," the Council said.

"'One Day in Fremantle' provides an option that will give families the opportunity to enjoy a whole day in Fremantle, and experience all it has to offer in terms of culture, retail, hospitality and entertainment."

The alternative event will go ahead with entertainment provided by musicians such as John Butler, Dan Sultan and Mama Kin in an attempt to celebrate everything the Council believes "makes Australia great."

Earlier in August, the Council voted to axe traditional Australia Day fireworks and avoid interrupting in any independent celebrations residents chose to have on the day.

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