City welcomes new Aussies

THIS year’s Australia Day was one to remember for dozens of Geelong residents, who marked the occasion by becoming Australian citizens.

The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) welcomed 49 community members in 32 virtual ceremonies on the day, as the new citizens were inducted either individually or in small family groups.

There were 18 countries of origin from all corners of the globe represented at last week’s celebrations, including Portugal, Ghana, Afghanistan, Canada and Zimbabwe, which the council said highlighted the diversity of the Greater Geelong community.

COGG deputy mayor Trent Sullivan presided over the ceremonies, and said he was honoured to play a part in the special day for the new Australians.

“I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to preside over citizenship ceremonies and see the joy on the face of every person taking the pledge,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Becoming an Australian citizen brings so much happiness and pride, and on Australia Day in particular, it’s a great reminder about how lucky we are to call this beautiful country our home.

“Congratulations to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting today.”

The council said it had planned three in-person citizenship ceremonies as part of its traditional Australia Day events, but shifted them online due to COVID-19.

The Australia Day ceremonies were the city’s first of 2022, after conferring 436 new citizens last year in online and in-person events.

CoGG generally had citizenship ceremonies every four to six weeks throughout the year, and invited new Australians to formalise their new nationalities once applications were processed through the federal Department of Home Affairs.

The council describes the ceremonies as warm, friendly events to celebrate new Australians becoming citizens, who make a pledge to the country they have decided to call home as an important expression of commitment to being part of its future.