Community Events
The Shire is involved in supporting and hosting a number of community events. Each year the Shire organises either on it's own or in conjuction with others the Australia Day Breakfast, Anzac Day, Harmony Day and Thank a Volunteer Day.
The Shire is also an active supporter of Territory Week, Chinese Temple celebrations, Chinese New Year celebrations, Inter-Island Soccer and Hari Raya Puasa celebrations. The Shire provides a community assistance programme offering financial and in-kind assistance.
Territory Year 2008 Calendar of Events
The Island was passed from British to Australian hands on 1 October 1958. The Island became, under section 122 of the Australian Constitution, an external Territory. Section 122 enables the Australian Parliament to make laws for “any territory placed by the Queen under the authority of and accepted by the Commonwealth … and may allow the representation of such territory in either House of the Parliament to the extent and on the terms which it thinks fit.”
On 1 October 1958 the Christmas Island Act was passed by the Australian Parliament, setting in place arrangements for how the Island would be governed and what laws would apply. In 1984 the Australian Parliament decided to allow the Territory of Christmas Island representation in both Houses of Federal Parliament via inclusion in the Northern Territory “for voting purposes only”.
Fifty years on, the Island remains a non-self governing external territory of Australia. There is much to reflect upon about the island’s past and future and its place in the Australian landscape.
50th Anniversary Stamp Issue for Christmas Island
Australia Post has decided to issue a series of Christmas Island stamps this year to commemorate our 50th anniversary of becoming an external Territory of Australia. The stamps, which depict both natural and social elements of the Island, will be issued in June.
The stamps are just one aspect of a range of celebrations and reflections which the community are planning to make the 50th anniversary a special year for the Island.
