2024 Australian Citizenship Day
Published on 17 September 2024
Hunters Hill has welcomed its newest citizens at a ceremony today, 17 September, at the Hunter’s Hill Council Chambers as part of Australian Citizenship Day 2024.
Four conferees from China, the United Kingdom and Belgium took their pledges before Hunter’s Hill Council General Manager, Mitchell Murphy and received their citizenship certificates.
Mr Murphy read the official message from Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Tony Burke MP, and gave his well wishes to the conferees.
“It is a proud and special moment for Council to officially welcome our new Australian citizens on this important day,” Mr Murphy said.
The Citizenship Ceremony was a moving experience for all involved.
Gladesville resident Sharlene Butler became an Australian Citizen after migrating to Australia from Scotland 20 years ago.
“I came here to try it out and I fell in love,” Sharlene said.
“I’m a paediatrician and I’ve worked in hospitals in WA, the Northern Territory and NSW. Both my daughters are Australian citizens so it felt like the natural step to become an Australian Citizen today.”
Geoff Huens, who moved to Australia from Belgium in 1992, said it was time to make it official.
“I’m already an Aussie at heart so becoming an Australian citizen really means a lot,” Geoff said.
Singer Jordyn Richards led the Australian National Anthem and performed during the ceremony.
Hunter’s Hill Council congratulates all of the new citizens and thanks everyone who attended tonight.
Council administers Citizenship Ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.