Australia Day celebrations have been thrown into disarray, due to false information generated by news outlets, stating that Whitsunday Regional Council has decided to scrap Australia Day Ceremonies and Citizenship Ceremonies.
Whitsunday Regional Council was named alongside Burdekin Shire Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, and Toowoomba Regional Council.
However, Whitsunday Regional Council wishes to share that they have not scrapped Australia Day and Citizenship Celebrations and are gearing up for a big day of fun and festivities.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said it was disappointing that Council needed to address the recent circulation of false news regarding the cancellation of the Australia Day citizenship ceremony.
“Let me be unequivocally clear: this information is entirely untrue and at no stage did this national media outlet contact the Council to fact check their claims,” she said.
“Australia Day and its associated citizenship ceremony hold immense significance for us as a community.
“It is a day to celebrate our diverse identities, honour our shared values, and welcome new citizens into Our Whitsunday community.
“Any suggestion of cancellation goes against the very spirit of inclusivity that defines our region.
“Our commitment to fostering unity and cultural celebration is unwavering, and we look forward to coming together on Australia Day to mark this important occasion,” Mayor Hall said.
“I encourage our residents to rely on official communications from the Whitsunday Regional Council via our website or Facebook page or statements from Council to our valued local media outlets for accurate information.”
On the Australia Day schedule, from 5pm, the Whitsunday Regional Council is celebrating Australia Day the Whitsunday Way.
5pm will kick off the event with the Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming new members of the community, followed by Australia Day Award Ceremony, acknowledging and honouring those in the region for their outstanding contributions.
Proceeding the ceremonies, there will be a Smoking Ceremony, free lamingtons, live music and free family activities, including wildlife meet and greet, face painting, craft workshops, and fireworks.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone in our community to our Australia Day event,” Mayor Hall said, “and Citizenship Ceremony in Bowen on January 26 where we will welcome more new citizens into our amazing Whitsunday community.”
WHAT: Australia Day
WHERE: Bowen Soundshell, Santa Barbara Parade, Bowen Foreshore
WHEN: Friday, January 26, from 5pm to 8pm
2023 Australia Day Award recipients. Photo supplied
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