Alice Springs Moves Citizenship Ceremony Off Jan. 26

New Australians in Alice Springs will soon celebrate their citizenship on a day that feels welcoming to everyone in their community.

The Alice Springs Town Council voted 5-4 on Tuesday to move citizenship ceremonies from January 26 to the nearest working day before or after. The change responds to concerns from First Nations people who view January 26 as a day of mourning rather than celebration.

Mayor Asta Hill introduced the motion after receiving overwhelming support for her earlier decision to skip formal Australia Day events this year. She acted in solidarity with Indigenous Australians who mark the date as the anniversary of colonization.

"This motion does not take away our opportunity to celebrate our community or our pride in being Australians," Hill explained. The change simply separates two very different observances: one of historical pain and one of joyful welcome.

Deputy Mayor Allison Bitar agreed after speaking with residents and ratepayers. "A council such as ours, in the middle of Australia, should be leading the way on reconciliation," she said. "This isn't about changing history. It's about redefining the future."

Councillor Cherisse Buzzacott, an Arrernte woman, called the move "a step in the right direction." She noted strong community support through emails, calls, and public attendance at the meeting.

The decision sparked debate. Former mayor Damien Ryan wanted broader community consultation before the vote. Yet supporters pointed to significant public backing, including more than 70 people who attended January's council meeting with signs supporting the mayor's stance.

The Ripple Effect

Alice Springs now joins more than 80 local councils across Australia making similar changes. These communities are finding ways to honor everyone's stories while welcoming new citizens with genuine joy.

The council hosts four citizenship ceremonies annually. Moving one ceremony creates space for all residents to celebrate together without conflict. New Australians can begin their citizenship feeling embraced by their entire community, not just part of it.

For many First Nations Australians, the change represents recognition of their perspective and pain. For new citizens, it means their welcome happens on a day focused entirely on celebration and possibility.

Small shifts like this one show how communities can move forward together by listening to each voice and finding common ground that lifts everyone up.