More than 130 new citizens from 34 countries were welcomed on May 4, with the City of Newcastle relishing the return of face-to-face citizenship ceremonies following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Reigning from Germany, Brazil, South Africa and Afghanistan, Newcastle’s newest citizens gathered with family, friends and City of Newcastle dignitaries to make the pledge at the Civic Theatre.
The ceremony featured a traditional didgeridoo performance by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and musical items by The Grainery Church.
Newcastle Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Cheryl Smith, continued the tradition of her father, the late Uncle Bill Smith, in delivering a Welcome to Country that acknowledged the lifestyles, cultures and spiritual beliefs of the traditional custodians of the land.
Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said the new citizens further added to Newcastle’s rich multicultural tapestry.
Fourteen per cent of Newcastle residents were born overseas, and more than 14,000 speak a secondary language at home.
Cr Nelmes also said the COVID-19 pandemic had presented unique challenges to how citizenship ceremonies were conducted, with ceremonies previously held online.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we have welcomed 786 new citizens, and today’s cohort takes that tally to just shy of 1,000,” Cr Nelmes said.
“A number of ceremonies were held online via Zoom during lockdowns, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for myself as Lord Mayor and for the many faces smiling back at me.
“It is heartening, two years later, to see face-to-face ceremonies in full swing once more, representing a very special occasion in our new citizens’ lives, the photos and memories of which they will cherish forever.”
City of Newcastle’s next citizenship ceremony will be held at the Civic Theatre on September 7, 2022.
Hayley McMahon