Northern Beaches Council welcomed 137 new citizens at three online citizenship ceremonies today as part of Australian Citizenship Day 2021.

The conferees from 33 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, HKSAR of the PRC, India, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Moldova, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Tibet, United Kingdom, United State of America and Vietnam, will officially become Australian citizens as part of the 20th anniversary of this momentous occasion.  

Mayor Michael Regan said citizenship ceremonies are one of the events he most looks forward to.

“Attending a citizenship ceremony is such privilege as you are part of an incredibly special day for so many and I have the honour of making people citizens of a country which I feel very fortunate to be born in. It’s really humbling, and I have to say one of the best parts of my role as a Mayor.

“It's hard to describe the energy in the room when you preside over a citizenship ceremony – it is very emotional for everyone involved and a truly amazing and rewarding experience.

“For some, a citizenship ceremony celebrates the final step of someone’s migrant journey and represents their ongoing commitment to their adopted country while for others it is a reminder about the role that each Australian citizen plays in making Australia the country it is today. 

“Citizenship means so much regardless of the length of time you have been living in Australia. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, diversity, equality, and respect. It helps to cement their connection within their local community.

“We welcome each and every one of you with open arms and congratulate you for already discovering the world best kept secret - living on the Northern Beaches!,” Mayor Regan said.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Council have been innovative and moved the ceremonies online since the start of August. On the Northern Beaches, there have been 14 virtual ceremonies with a total of 546 people making this special pledge to date.

 Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or 8495 6553