The Hills Shire Council has joined towns and regions across the nation in welcoming Australia’s newest citizens as part of its Australia Day 2016 celebrations.
26 new citizens from 10 countries pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people on Tuesday 26 January at Bella Vista Farm.
Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Michelle Byrne said the citizenship ceremony was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of citizenship as a unifying bond strengthening the local community.
“Australia Day is a time for us to congratulate our newest citizens and welcome them to the Australian family. Australia Day is also an opportunity for all citizens, new or old, to reflect on what it means to be Australian,” she said.
“On Australia Day we should all celebrate our shared values and recommit our determination to make Australia an even better place for future generations.”
This Australia Day, more than 16,000 people from around 150 countries became Australian citizens at almost 400 citizenship ceremonies.
