Over thousand new citizens ‘welcomed’

They were among more than 1,050 new citizens, from more than 60 different countries, who were welcomed last Wednesday by Mayor Bilal El-Hayek at two special citizenship ceremonies.
Nigerian-born Titilade Adedeji, her husband and three children, migrated to Australia in 2016, and lived in Petersham, before moving to Bankstown in 2017.
The family travelled to Australia so Mrs Adedeji could further her studies in communications and seek better opportunities for her young family.
“I was studying at the TAFE in Bankstown and I brought my kids to the library. We fell in love with the people and community and we really wanted to live here,” Mrs Adedeji said.
“The kids love it here and they don’t want to leave. We now have friends that have turned into family here.
“Just last year, we bought a place in Bankstown.”
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said welcoming the City’s newest Australians, was his favourite part of the job.
“With each new citizen, the City is richer and stronger,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the individual and collective contributions they each make to our City.”
Mrs Adedeji has since changed career paths and is studying a Bachelor of Nursing.
She hopes to contribute to the Australian community by helping others.
“Now I am really doing what I love,” she said.
“At the end of this year, I am going to become a registered nurse, which is what I love doing.”
The Adedeji family was joined by some special family friends who witnessed their “historic” moment.
“It’s a great privilege to become a citizen here. Now I don’t have to worry about my kid’s future – they will have a great future with great opportunities,” Mrs Adedeji said.
Eldest daughter, 13-year-old Amy, has her sights set on becoming a doctor.
“I can do anything here, there are so many roads I can take to get to where I want,” Amy said.
“Being Australian means being part of a community where you are supported no matter your culture, opinions or religion… some countries don’t have that.”