Originating from 39 different nations, 150 people have pledged to call Australia home in a virtual ceremony hosted by the City of Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen presided over two ceremonies via Zoom, meeting people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
It followed Department of Home Affairs advice permitting group ceremonies to be held virtually amid the Hunter’s ongoing lockdown.
Among them was Newcastle resident Dana Fischetti, who moved here eight years ago from the United States of America with her husband John as a career and lifestyle choice.
Professor John Fischetti, an esteemed Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Newcastle, received his Australian citizenship online last year. On Wednesday, Mrs Fischetti joined him as a proud dual citizen.
The pair have been separated from their children, Justin and Katie, and their extended family and friends in North Carolina since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. Their granddaughter, Eva, now two years old, wasn’t yet walking or talking.
“It’s incredibly hard being separated from family during the pandemic. Pre-COVID, we’d see them three or four times a year, so this is the longest time we’ve spent apart, and FaceTime isn’t the same for those important milestones,” Mrs Fischetti said.
“That said, we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to become Australian citizens. We cherish our Australian friends and the opportunities this amazing country has provided for us. We love our life in Newcastle and have witnessed so much positive change in the city since we moved here in 2013. We’re also proud to be part of such a culturally diverse community.
“At some point in the future, we look forward to being able to co-live in the US and Australia so that we can spend more time with our family but also enjoy this place we have come to call home.”
Cr Nelmes congratulated the city’s newest citizens on what was one of the most memorable occasions for many.
“Whilst COVID-19 restrictions prevented us from celebrating in person, through the wonder of technology, I am proud to have connected with so many smiling faces today and to have taken the time to welcome and celebrate each and every one of them; our community is all the richer for it,” she said.
Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle