Tens of thousands of people take the Australian citizenship oath across the country, with ceremonies held nationwide. Invasion Day events are also taking place, prompting reflection on the historical impact of the First Fleet's arrival. Meanwhile, the Australian Open reaches its climax with the men's finals. Thousands are celebrating Australia Day, enjoying free concerts and festivities.
Tens of thousands of people are taking the Australian citizenship oath across the country, with ceremonies taking place in major cities and regional centres. Over 20,000 people from 150 countries are participating in these events, marking a significant moment in their lives as they officially become Australian citizens. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a ceremony in Canberra, where he received a general salute from the Australian Federation Guard.
In Melbourne, a few hundred people gathered at the Town Hall, welcomed by a choir singing Waltzing Matilda. And in Perth, Balwand Singh Dhillon, who came to Australia from India in 2015, is taking the citizenship oath. He expressed his joy and gratitude, saying, 'No matter what I did there was a reward for it, it's a really good feeling. I can't really put much words into it, like how I feel. It's a special moment.'Meanwhile, Invasion Day events have commenced in major capital cities and regional centres, with organisers urging people to reflect on the historical impact of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Victoria Police have implemented extensive planning for Australia Day community events and rallies, while New South Wales Police plan to utilize proactive policing strategies to minimize disruption to the community. A long-time activist participating in the Invasion Day rally in Brisbane described January 26th as 'the last day of our happiness and the first day of our sorrows,' highlighting the differing perspectives on this significant date.The Australian sporting world has also been making headlines. Famed swimming coach Laurie Lawrence has been elevated to an Officer of the Order of Australia, while 15 other athletes, including canoeist Noemie Fox, have been awarded Medals of the Order of Australia. The list includes Shayna Jack, Conor Leahy, and other athletes recognized for their exceptional achievements, particularly their gold medal performances at the Paris Olympics. Australia Day celebrations are in full swing with free concerts taking place across the country. In Sydney, music lovers are enjoying a live concert set against the iconic backdrop of the Opera House. Tennis fans are eagerly anticipating the men's finals at the Australian Open, where the top two seeds, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, are set to clash for the first time since 2019. This highly anticipated match is generating excitement among spectators, who are predicting a close and thrilling contest.
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP INVASION DAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN AUSTRALIA DAY SPORT CELEBRATIONS
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