Blue Mountains News

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, who presided over the ceremony said: “It is an honour to confer Australian Citizenship to people who appreciate and value our society so much they wish to become one of us and make Australia their home.

“I warmly congratulate our conferees today for taking the final step in their journey to become Australian Citizens.”

Dharug Elder Uncle Colin Locke and Gundungurra man, David King, welcomed the new citizens to Ngurra and spoke of their ancestors, as well as their connection to Country.

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, and Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle MP, congratulated the new citizens. Meanwhile, Blue Mountains City Councillors Romola Hollywood (Deputy Mayor), Sarah Redshaw (Deputy Mayor), Mick Fell, Brent Hoare, Suzie van Opdorp, Kevin Schreiber, Claire West and Roza Sage presented native plants.

Around 100 family and friends also attended the ceremony and cheered when their loved ones recited the Citizen Pledge and then received their Commemorative Certificates.

“To those of you who are candidates for citizenship, you are about to undertake a new allegiance, a new responsibility and expand your identity, both in Australia and wherever you may travel in the world,” Mayor Greenhill said.

“For many of you, your decision to become an Australian citizen means adapting to a new culture and perhaps a new language.

“However, it is important to emphasise to each of you, that you are not expected to renounce cultural identity, customs or traditions, which are a vital part of you and your heritage and your diversity.”

The countries of birth for each of the citizens was marked and included Britain, Canada, Finland, France, India, Republic Of Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam.

“As an immigrant nation, we acknowledge and celebrate your history and your heritage. Australia’s evolving way of life draws inspiration from the whole world and our heritage is enriched by contributions from the many cultures that make up our society,” Mayor Greenhill said.

“I encourage you all to make your personal contribution to Australia’s cultural diversity. Few of us share the same past, but as Australians, all of us can share the same future.”

Blue Mountains City Council will host another four Citizenship Ceremonies in 2023. Meanwhile,Local Citizen Awards will be awarded in May.

Photo:(1) ; (2) Rachel Blandin De Chalain, (3) Stephen Geurin; (4) Roddy Hunter; (5) Chonthicha Leyshon; (6) Mahesh Shahi Khadgi; (7) Gianpaolo Zivoli; and (8) Angadh and Agastya Katikaneni and Soumya Nadipelli are presented theirCommemorative Citizenship Certificates by Mayor Mark Greenhill with Councillors and official guests watching on.