Australia’s newest citizens were conferred at citizenship ceremonies in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle on January 26, with almost 100 new citizens welcomed from all corners of the globe.
Among those who became the country’s newest citizens at the Rathmines, Lake Macquarie ceremony were 67 women, men and children, who hailed from 24 nations including Brazil, Tibet, Egypt and Vietnam.
In City of Newcastle, another 32 people from 15 different countries took the citizenship pledge of commitment via Zoom and were named Australian citizens.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who presided over the Lake Macquarie ceremony, said Australia Day was the perfect opportunity to welcome new citizens.
“Our diversity of cultures, and the way we embrace them, helps define who we are as Australians,” Cr Fraser said.
“It’s always so wonderful and touching to see people from all walks of life, backgrounds, religions and races coming together to be part of our special country.”
Born in Kenya, Elizabeth Muturi was conferred at Lake Macquarie and decided to become a citizen after first coming to Australia 25 years ago in search of a new life.
Husband John Anieto, from Nigeria, is also in the process of getting citizenship.
“We have lived here so many years, and this is our home now,” Ms Muturi said.
“We’ve had our three children here, we have close friends and we’ve made many close relationships.”
Ajith Balasubramanian and Anusha Nair moved to Australia from India in 2014 and have since had two children: Ahalya, 6, and Avyan, 2.
“This is our place to call home. The kids love it and there are so many options, in terms of things to do and the outdoors,” Mr Balasubramanian said.
“I think getting citizenship makes it certain that this is your place.”
Almost 15 per cent of people in Lake Macquarie were born overseas, with England, New Zealand, Germany, Scotland and the Philippines the top five countries of birth.
More than 10 per cent are first-generation Aussies, whose parents were both born overseas.
“I want to welcome all our new citizens, whether they’re new arrivals or have decided to become Australian after living here for many years,” Cr Fraser said.
“We wish you well and look forward to you contributing to our community through your knowledge, skills, culture and traditions.”
Citizenship celebrations at City of Newcastle were hosted a little differently to the neighbouring locality, with the citizenship ceremony conducted over online video platform Zoom.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated the city’s newest Australian citizens, commenting that “it was an an honour to preside over this morning’s online citizenship ceremony, where we officially welcomed 32 citizens from 15 different countries.”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP attended the celebration and read the Minister’s Message, while indigenous advocate Aunty Cheryl Smith, delivered an Acknowledgement of Country.
Nelmes offered special thanks to Alex Nean Aboriginal Artist and the didgeridoo players of Jesmond Callaghan College, as well as The Grainery Church for their “wonderful performances” at the ceremony.
Across Australia, more than 16,000 people from over 150 countries were expected to become citizens on Australia Day at 400 ceremonies across the country.
Maia O’Connor
Information source: Lake Macquarie City, @Nuatali Nelmes on Facebook.