City welcomes new citizens

THE City of Greater Geelong officially recognised hundreds of residents as Australian citizens during ceremonies at the Geelong West Town Hall last week.

The 300 community members who took part in the citizenship ceremonies on January 26 represented more than 30 countries including Iran, Japan, India, France, Brazil, Afghanistan and Mexico.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan presided over two of the day’s in-person events at the hall and said each occasion was joyous for the new citizens and those closest to them.

“It’s a real honour to share in these events, as there is so much happiness and excitement in the room,” he said.

“While the roads they have travelled to get here are all different, our new citizens share a great pride in calling Geelong and Australia their home.

“Our cultural diversity is one of our community’s great strengths and is a key part of what makes living in Geelong so special.”

Chair of the city’s citizenship and community engagement portfolio Cr Anthony Aitken said many of the people who were naturalised at the ceremonies had been contributing to the community for some time.

“So to see the smile on their faces when they officially become an Australian citizen is a special thing to witness,” he said.