Hawkesbury City Council held a heartfelt Australia Day citizenship ceremony, welcoming 32 new citizens, including six families, from diverse corners of the globe.
This year, the newly minted citizens hail from nine different countries: Germany, India, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, The Philippines, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. Their stories add to the rich tapestry of Australia, reflecting the nation’s vibrant multicultural essence.
Across Australia, over 14,600 individuals from more than 150 countries were granted citizenship on this meaningful day, marking one of the busiest occasions for such ceremonies nationwide.
The ceremony was graced by insightful remarks from prominent local leaders, including Elizabeth Richardson, the General Manager of Hawkesbury City Council, and Mayor Councillor Les Sheather. They were joined by influential figures such as Susan Templeman MP, the Federal Member for Macquarie, Robyn Preston MP, the State Member for Hawkesbury, Superintendent Nadine Roberts from the Hawkesbury Police Area Command, and Wing Commander Andrew Burke from RAAF Base Richmond.
Mayor, Councillor Les Sheather said, “Taking this step today to become an Australian is a true sign of your commitment to this country – and I commend you for that. We have a terrific country with terrific people. We’re very pleased that you chose our city to live in and we welcome you to the Hawkesbury community.”
Hawkesbury City Council General Manager, Elizabeth Richardson, said, “The Hawkesbury region is a culturally diverse community, and you are all a great example this. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It is central to who we are and part of our national identity.”
As a symbolic welcome, each new citizen was presented with a certificate, a commemorative coin, and a native plant from the Council’s community nursery—tokens of the community’s appreciation and support.
This ceremony not only marks a new beginning for these individuals and families but also enriches the Hawkesbury community, highlighting the ongoing story of unity and belonging in Australia.
