Celebrating Refugee Week with new citizens
Published on 19 June 2024
Hunter’s Hill Council welcomed nine new Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony tonight at Town Hall.
The occasion was held during Refugee Week, an annual national celebration informing the public about refugees and celebrating their contributions. The 2024 theme is ‘Finding Freedom’ with a focus on family.
The conferees from Britain, New Zealand, Italy, Mongolia, India and Vietnam, were joined by family and friends as they took the pledge of loyalty to Australia and received their citizenship certificates before Mayor of Hunter’s Hill Council, Zac Miles.
“It was fantastic to celebrate our new Australian citizens, particularly on Refugee Week when we are celebrating the theme finding freedom, something that we sometimes take for granted here in the lucky country,” Councillor Miles said.
“Having the support and embrace of family, especially during special occasions like today, allows us to appreciate these milestones.”
The Citizenship Ceremony was a special and memorable experience for all involved.
“I am so delighted to have officially become a Citizen and I am so grateful for this new chapter”, the conferee from India said.
Zoe, the young daughter of New Zealand conferee Mark, also expressed her excitement for her father to finally call himself Australian.
“I am very happy that my dad has become an Australian,” she said.
Singer Jordyn Richards led the Australian National Anthem and performed throughout 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.