Australian citizens have been made in Hornsby Shire since 1954, and today the count has reached 50,000. The Federal Government asked councils to run citizenship ceremonies that year, and Hornsby Shire Council has kept at it for more than 70 years, long enough for several generations of newcomers to have stood in the same community halls and made their pledge.
Today’s tally came from three ceremonies at the Community Halls in Hornsby, where 134 people from 29 countries became Australians. Brandon Etto opened proceedings with a Welcome to Country. Mayor Warren Waddell was joined by Councillors Dr Greenwood, Seaglove and McIntosh, Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, and James Wallace MP, State Member for Hornsby.
The Mayor spoke of the people behind the number. He called it a privilege to share such an important moment with so many, and said that for some the day marks the next chapter in a place they have chosen to call home, while for others it is about a safer future for their families. He said the ceremonies bring families and communities together, and he welcomed the day’s new citizens and congratulated everyone who has taken part over the decades.
One of those new citizens was Tetiana Shuryhina of Beecroft, who came from Ukraine with her family. She said being Australian means a safer and better future for her kids, and that she loves Hornsby Shire because it has everything needed to live happily.
Some of the best parts of the day came after the pledge. The Country Women’s Association had refreshment packs ready for candidates following each ceremony, and Council gave every new citizen a native plant from its Warada Ngurang Community Nursery, a living keepsake of the day.
