Hawkesbury’s Australia Day celebrations took on added significance as 29 people from around the world officially became Australian citizens, marking a major milestone for individuals and families as they begin a new chapter in the region.
The group, which included three families, hailed from 19 countries spanning five continents, including Uganda, Pakistan, Brazil, Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand. Their ceremony formed part of nationwide Australia Day proceedings, with around 18,800 people from more than 150 countries taking the citizenship pledge across the country, making it one of the most popular days of the year to become an Australian.
Held by Hawkesbury City Council, the ceremony featured addresses from local, state and federal representatives, as well as community and defence leaders. Speakers reflected on the responsibilities and shared values that come with Australian citizenship, as new citizens pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people. Mayor Les Sheather described the occasion as both meaningful and celebratory, acknowledging the commitment shown by those choosing to make Australia home.
To mark the occasion, each new citizen received a certificate, a commemorative coin and a native plant from the Council’s community nursery—a symbolic welcome into both the local community and the broader Australian family.
