60 people from across North Sydney LGA became some of Australia’s newest citizens during a special citizenship ceremony at Hutley Hall, Council Chambers, to celebrate Harmony Week.
The ceremony, which was held in Cammeraygal Country, took place on 21 March, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Mayor Zoe Baker said: “Today we welcome new citizens from 25 different countries, from Chile to Nepal and Bulgaria to Iran. We celebrate the skills and cultural diversity they bring to our local community, a place where everyone is valued and everyone belongs.
Holding our citizenship ceremony during Harmony Week reminds us that cultural diversity is one of North Sydney’s greatest assets. Today is about celebrating our vibrant multicultural community – we are stronger because of it.”
Harmony Week includes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March. Speaking on the nationwide celebration, the council stated, “The serious conversations needed on racial discrimination are not mutually exclusive from the celebration of multicultural society which underlines Harmony Week.”
For more information about Australian citizenship (including eligibility criteria and application process), visit www.citizenship.gov.au.