The ceremonies coincided with Citizenship Day, which is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on the meaning and importance of their citizenship.
India, South Korea and Nepal were the top countries of origin for the latest group of new citizens, and Mayor Greg Cummings said those who took the pledge in Merrylands, accepted “the responsibilities and privileges of being Australian”.
“One of the special things about the new Cumberland area is our cultural diversity,” he said.
“With residents from over 150 different countries, we see diversity as our strength and citizenship ceremonies like these, give us a chance to celebrate it.”
Cumberland Council frequently hosts Australian citizenship ceremonies based on requests from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Ceremonies a chance to celebrate area’s diversity
Cumberland Mayor Greg Cummings with new Australian citizens Seri Mohamed Rashid and Sameer Ahuja and their children Aaliya Ahuja and baby Alisha and superintendent Darryl Jobson from the Cumberland Police Area Command.
SWEARING their public commitment to Australia, 241 people took the oath of citizenship at two formal ceremonies hosted by Cumberland Council last Tuesday.