Australian Citizenship Day is observed in Australia every September 17. Established by the Australian Government in 2001, this day provides an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate their citizenship and reflect on its significance. The date marks the anniversary of the renaming of the Nationality and Citizenship Act to the Australian Citizenship Act in 1973. The event is coordinated by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, which oversees citizenship and immigration matters. On this day, citizens, both by birth and by choice, participate in special citizenship and affirmation ceremonies, and various schools, community groups, and organizations hold events and activities to honor the occasion.