City of Darwin is pleased to welcome 54 new citizens from 21 different countries to Darwin, with the new residents officially recognised at an Australia Day Ceremony held at the Darwin Convention Centre today.

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis welcomed the new citizens but also acknowledged Australia Day can hold various meanings for different people.

“Australia Day is a day to celebrate the Australian spirit and our cultural diversity, achievements, and resilience,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“It is a special time to welcome those who have decided to make Australia, and in particular Darwin, their new home.

“However, it is also important to acknowledge First Nations Australians who have been conducting their ceremonies on this land for tens of thousands of years,” he said.

City of Darwin’s Australia Day was marked with a Welcome to Country, traditional cultural dance, didgeridoo performance and smoking ceremony.

The Australian Defence Force conducted a Flag Raising Ceremony, a 21 Gun Salute and a fighter jet flypast.

The Citizen of the Year Awards were also presented, with the Citizen of the Year Award awarded to John Tate, for his enormous contribution to the Nightcliff Cricket Club and its extended community.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award went to Jules Gabor, who was recognised for being a leader in the community and advocating for youth, mental health and equal opportunity.

The Community Activity of the Year was awarded to the Vietnamese Lantern Festival, which received a record number of nominations and was recognised for providing an opportunity for locals and tourists to explore and experience Vietnamese culture.

“I would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this event, through the National Australia Day Council,” Mr Vatskalis concluded.

City of Darwin is providing free admission to the Nightcliff and Parap pools as part of Australia Day.