Celebration and citizenship ceremonies mark January 26

Almost 13,000 new citizens were welcomed as Australians at ceremonies across the country, as people gather in capital cities and regionally for Australia Day celebrations.

“Australia is a nation united in our diversity,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said at the citizenship ceremony in Canberra, where 32 people from 19 countries became citizens.

“We do not define our national identity, as so many other nations do, by race, by religion, or by a particular culture, but by shared values. “Democracy and freedom, mutual respect and equality for men and women, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law.”

Outside of Australia, UK plumber Terry Barrell became the second person ever to be made an Australian citizen whilst in Antarctica.

“[I] was hoping to become an Australian citizen before I left for Antarctica but there wasn’t time to arrange a ceremony,” he told

Governor General Peter Cosgrove said he “never fails to be touched and inspired” by the new citizens for “making the great leap and officially becoming part of our wonderful nation”.

“Our strength and unity is founded on a mutual respect and a determination to work side by side to make this nation all it can be,” he said, before leading the Australian citizenship affirmation in Canberra.