Ever wondered what “girt by sea” means, especially if your first language isn’t English?
SBS Audio has launched a landmark initiative, making ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and the Citizenship Pledge accessible to millions of new Australians to help foster a greater sense of connection, pride and belonging.
Ahead of Australian Citizenship Day, SBS is presenting the Australian National Anthem and Citizenship Pledge in more than 60 languages.
The project will be formally launched on Wednesday 17 September, at a special citizenship ceremony at Government House in Canberra.
Jane Palfreyman, SBS Acting Managing Director, said “Multiculturalism is one of Australia’s greatest strengths and this initiative demonstrates that we can celebrate our differences while affirming the values and identity we share. With the anthem and pledge now available in more than 60 languages, SBS is helping ensure every Australian can engage with these national symbols in ways that reflect and respect our shared diversity.”
David Hua, SBS Director of Language and Audio Content, said “For 50 years, SBS’s purpose has been to reflect Australia and foster a more cohesive society. The national anthem is something we all hear often, and this project makes it more accessible, building belonging and pride by deepening understanding of its meaning. It is also a reminder that both the anthem and the citizenship pledge can be shared by all who make their home in Australia, no matter where their journey began.”
The initiative features many of the languages most commonly spoken by new migrants and refugee communities in Australia, ensuring broad accessibility. It is available free and online for use by everyone, including schools, community organisations, citizenship ceremonies and commemorative events nationwide.
Resources include videos with the anthem sung by Dami Im to music by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by subtitled lyrics in both English and the relevant language against a backdrop of Australian natural and urban landscapes.
The full suite of Australian National Anthem and Citizenship Pledge language resources can be accessed here.