Surf Coast Shire welcomes new citizens

THE Surf Coast Shire welcomed 11 people as new citizens this week as part of 2019 Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.
The conferees from six countries – United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, Germany and Brazil – became Australian citizens as part of a ceremony at the council chambers in Torquay on Tuesday.
Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge said the ceremony was an opportunity to come together to acknowledge what’s great about being Australian.
“Citizenship ceremonies are always a highlight on our calendar.
“It’s special to see the smiles on the faces of our new citizens, who are so proud to receive citizenship in front of their family and friends.”
This year’s Australian Citizenship Day was predicted to welcome the largest number of new citizens nationally since the inaugural Australian Citizenship Day in 2001.
The Department of Home Affairs and local councils hosted 150 ceremonies across the country, with more than 8,000 people expected to become Australian citizens as part of the celebrations.
Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to reflect on the values of Australian citizenship and the contributions of citizens to local communities.