Palmerston will join towns and regions across the nation in welcoming our newest Australian citizens as part of Australia Day 2018 celebrations.

32 new citizens will choose to officially become Australian citizens at the City of Palmerston Australia Day ceremony held this Friday 26 January at the Palmerston Recreation Centre.

City of Palmerston Official Manager, Mark Blackburn said Australia Day is a significant day to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship and what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is a time for us to give a warm welcome to our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become a full member of the Australian community,” he said.

Across Australia, almost 13,000 people from around 130 countries are set to become Australian citizens at more than 330 citizenship ceremonies on 26 January.

Mr Blackburn said citizenship is the common bond uniting all Australians, whether you are a citizen by birth or by choice. An Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony will also be part of the celebration at the Palmerston Recreation Centre, allowing all Australians to congratulate and welcome new citizens.

“Thousands of Australians are also expected to affirm their citizenship, bringing communities together in regional and metropolitan Australia.

“I congratulate those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia, and encourage everyone to come and join in on the local celebrations this Australia Day,” Mr Blackburn said.

The event will also recognise local Aboriginal Culture with a Welcome to Country ceremony, Palmerston’s defence community with a tri-service flag raising ceremony and award the City’s Australia Day Awards winners – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.