Eumundi Voice Magazine

Eumundi Voice

4 hours ago

When did Australians stop being British subjects?
In 1901 at the time of federation all Australians were British subjects. All those born within the King’s or Queen’s Allegiance – that is in Britain or any of the Empire colonies or on any British ship – were British subjects. The Australian Constitution did not define citizenship, so legally it did not exist.
The Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect on 26 January 1949 and was the first time the term ‘Australian citizen’ was used in legislation. As part of the decline of the British Empire, former British colonies pushed to have independent national citizenship.
Under the 1948 Act, people born in Australia became Australian citizens. By extension, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were granted citizenship, even though they had no right to vote. Despite this newfound citizenship, Australians remained British subjects while British nationals living in Australia were granted virtually automatic naturalisation.
Throughout the 1960s, Australian citizens were still expected to state their nationality as British. It was only in 1967 that the word “British” was dropped from the cover of Australian passports. Throughout the 1970s, amendments to the Citizenship Act narrowed the role of British subjects in Australia. The United Kingdom redefined its nationality law in 1981 so that Commonwealth citizens were no longer generally classed as British subjects. In Australia the change was completed on 25 October 1984, when the Australian Citizenship (Amendment) Act 1984 came into effect and Australian citizens ceased to hold British subject status simply by virtue of their Australian citizenship. ... See MoreSee Less

Eumundi Voice

7 hours ago

I’m Nicola Wilson, Acting President of Noosa Arts Theatre (NAT). Hello to those of you who don’t know me.
I’ve been involved in theatre for many years, mostly with Mosman Musical Society in Sydney as well as with a cappella choirs and the Sydney Philharmonia.
I moved to Noosa in 2019 and first came to NAT as an audience member. I gradually became more involved – as a reader for the One Act Plays, a member of the production selection panel for several years, chair of the panel for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, a committee member and a bar volunteer.
Sadly, I’ve only appeared on stage twice so far – in Ladies in Black and this year’s Shorts on Stage, with Boris the dog. What a debut!
We’re so lucky to have this theatre. In Sydney we had to hire venues and bump in only a few days before each run, so I really appreciate having our own space and time to prepare for every show. I’m also deeply grateful for all our wonderful volunteers who make it happen, and for the many stewards of our theatre over the decades.
Following the huge success of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, we have Witness for the Prosecution running from 19-29 November, followed by Wonderland – The Family Musical Adventure.
I’m especially excited that the 2027 Noosa Arts National One-Act Playwriting Competition is offering $10,000 for the best script to celebrate the theatre’s 50th anniversary. This generous prize has been donated by the Nimmo family in memory of Eleanor, who loved the theatre and rarely missed a production.
Scripts must be received by 31 October and meet all the competition rules. Rules are available on the theatre’s website, by emailing oapcomp@noosaartstheatre.org.au or by phoning 5449 9343.
Our play-reading group meets on the first Monday of every month. Call Andrew Moon on 0459 241 214 for the script or with any questions.
My goal is to make sure we have a bright future! I’d love to hear your feedback and ideas about what you’d like to see on our stage. Email me at: president@noosaartstheatre.org.au. ... See MoreSee Less