Civic Events, Awards and Ceremonies

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Council conducts a number of civic events throughout the year.

Citizenship ceremonies are hosted regularly by Council on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The Mayor conducts the ceremonies where new citizens take their citizenship pledge, and are welcomed into the community.  Livestream and recordings of the Ceremony can be accessed by the location: Council Chambers Livestream or Burnie Arts Town Hall Live.

ANZAC Day Council works closely with the RSL Burnie Sub-Branch to conduct the services held on 25 April each year. The dawn service and 11am service are conducted at the Burnie Park cenotaph. A large number of community groups, schools, organisations and elected members come together to lay wreaths in a moving service that demonstrates our community's honour for the memory of those who fought and served in all conflicts.

Remembrance Day is another important day in the calendar, with a service conducted at 10.40am on 11 November each year, culminating in two minutes of silence at 11am. Once again, wreaths are laid at the cenotaph in memory of the fallen.

Burnie’s Community Recognition Awards celebrate individuals and groups who make outstanding contributions to the local community. These annual awards honour dedication, leadership, and the positive impact made through volunteering, innovation, or service in Burnie.

Reflect, Respect, Celebrate

“Reflect, Respect, Celebrate" is Burnie’s inclusive approach to Australia Day, Citizenship & Community Recognition awards

 

Why we Celebrate, why we Evolve

Australia Day has been celebrated in different ways over time. In 1994, the date was officially fixed as 26 January across all states and territories, ending the previous practice where some states observed it on a Friday for a long weekend. 

As our nation evolves, so does the way we mark this day, ensuring it reflects the current values of respect, inclusion, and community.

 

A thoughtful approach to celebrations

In line with the 2025 Australia Day theme “Reflect, Respect, Celebrate” Burnie is embracing more inclusive and meaningful ways to mark these occasions:

📅  Australia Day Festivities (26 January): By Supporting a family-friendly celebration of our diverse community, acknowledging our shared history and future.

📅 Citizenship Ceremonies (various dates): Holding dedicated, respectful events welcoming new Australians throughout the year in a way that gives them the recognition they deserve.

📅  Community Recognition Awards (May): Aligning these awards with National Volunteering Week highlights our local heroes, emphasising their importance in our community.

 

The benefits of this approach:

✔ Recognising Perspectives – We acknowledge that 26 January date holds different meanings for different Australians, including Aboriginal Australians.

✔ Respectful Welcoming – Holding citizenship ceremonies on dates throughout the year ensures new citizens are welcomed with full focus and respect.

✔ Meaningful Recognition – Linking local community awards with National Volunteering Week amplifies appreciation for local achievements and for those who give back.

 

Making a Better Burnie 2044 key alignments

Burnie’s approach reflects our commitment to respect, inclusion, and unity, ensuring that our celebrations evolve in a way that strengthens our community for the future.

It also aligns with the long-term goals of the Making Burnie Better 2044 strategy, fostering culturally rich, vibrant, and inclusive communities.

1. Making Culturally Rich and Vibrant Communities

 • Recognising and respecting the diverse perspectives of First Nations and all community members fosters inclusivity and social harmony.

 • Supporting family-friendly celebrations acknowledging our shared Australian history, diverse backgrounds, and collective future helps unite our community.

 • Holding citizenship ceremonies throughout the year allows us to focus on fully embracing and welcoming new Australians in a meaningful and respectful way.

2. Making Democratic and Engaged Communities

 • Acknowledging different viewpoints ensures the Council remains responsive to community sentiment.

 • Providing and supporting inclusive events strengthens public confidence in local governance and decision-making.

3. Making Liveable Local Communities

 • Supporting events that unite individuals and respect their backgrounds fosters a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

 • Ensuring celebrations are welcoming and inclusive helps make Burnie a place where everyone feels valued.

By balancing celebration with cultural awareness, this approach reflects Burnie’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and unity, shaping a city that continues to evolve in a way that benefits all residents.