Hawkesbury City Council Welcomes 20 New Citizens

Twenty residents from across the globe were formally welcomed as Australian citizens during a Hawkesbury City Council ceremony on 16 June.

The new citizens arrived from seven countries: Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, South Africa, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Among them was Ravneel Chand, Head Chef at the Butler’s Pantry café in Redbank, North Richmond.

During the event, the participants pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people.

They also heard from several speakers, including Council General Manager Elizabeth Richardson, Mayor Councillor Les Sheather, Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP, State Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston MP and RAAF Base Richmond Warrant Officer Glann Bennett.

Mayor Sheather acknowledged the milestone in his remarks.

“Taking this step today to become an Australian is a true sign of your commitment to this country – and I commend you for that,” he said. “We’re very pleased that you chose our city to live in, and we welcome you to the Hawkesbury community.”

General Manager Elizabeth Richardson reflected on the region’s multicultural character.

“The Hawkesbury region is a culturally diverse community and I believe it is one of our greatest strengths. It is central to who we are and part of our national identity,” she said.

To mark the occasion, each new citizen was presented with a certificate, a commemorative coin and a native plant from the Council’s community nursery.