Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou says adopting a new country is a proud moment for those involved and that’s why he’s glad citizenship ceremonies are back to being held in-person under Covid-safe conditions.
The pandemic outbreak meant ceremonies were cancelled from March to June last year before resuming in July, however less than half the number of people took the citizenship oath last year in Cumberland compared with 2019.
Mayor Christou said when there was an opportunity to bring back ceremonies safely, they did it.
“I don’t believe in zoom ceremonies and posting certificates,” he said.
“I like to hold them in person as it means more to the person receiving it. It also gives me great joy to induct new citizens into our country in person and see the smiles on their faces.
“We’re very fortunate to have the new state-of-the-art Granville Centre where there’s more than enough room to hold 150 people in that main hall area and still be appropriately Covid-safe.”
