New Citizens WELCOMED
Over 170 residents in the Hills and Hawkesbury were made Australian citizens in ceremonies held on Australia Day, 75 years after Australian citizenship was established on 26th of January 1949.
The new citizens hail from a huge number of countries around the globe, including Bangladesh, The Netherlands, South Korea, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, South Africa and many more.
Over 6 million people from over 200 countries globally have received Australian citizenship since the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was established, which sought to make Australian identity distinct from British subject status. The Act has been amended many times since to be more inclusive and celebrate diverse communities.
The Hills Shire Council’s event saw 129 local residents given certificates of citizenship, with smiles abounding throughout the whole ceremony. Mayor Peter Gangemi led the event, delighted at the excitement on the faces of each resident. 
Australia Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together as a nation to reflect, respect and celebrate. We reflect on our history, its highs and lows; we respect the stories of others, and we celebrate our nation, its achievements, and most of all its people.
Mayor Gangemi said: “For our conferees, becoming an Australian citizen is one of the biggest moments of their lives, and having it occur on our national day makes it even greater. I wish all our new citizens every happiness and success, and I look forward to working with them on a bright future together.”
Elynaea Pancho, as well as her daughters Amber and Faith, were among the conferees on the day who pledged their devotion to Australia. Having moved from the Philippines, Elynaea was delighted with Australia’s focus on family and quality of life. She said: “I know this citizenship will not only change my life, but the trajectory of our entire family and the generations to come. This is the best legacy I can leave my kids with. They will have experiences and limitless opportunities because in Australia, everyone gets a fair go.”
In the Hawkesbury, 44 people – including four children – were given a warm welcome to Australian citizenship by the local community at Windsor Function Centre, following a Welcome to Country speech by Boorooberongal woman Erin Wilkins.
Mayor Sarah McMahon provided a warm welcome to the new citizens, and reflected on what it means to be Australian. She said: “Australia Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together as a nation to reflect, respect and celebrate. We reflect on our history, its highs and lows; we respect the stories of others, and we celebrate our nation, its achievements, and most of all its people.”
The 44 new citizens came from 17 different nations worldwide. The oldest of them is 88 years old, while the youngest is only three, a testament to the value of gaining Australian citizenship at any age. More smiles were on display as these locals received their certificates and conferred their citizenships.
