On Tuesday, Australia welcomed the largest number of new citizens nationally since the inaugural Citizenship Day in 2001.
There were 150 ceremonies hosted across the country, with more than 8,000 people becoming Australian citizens.
Camden Council joined in and celebrated Australian Citizenship Day by welcoming 110 new citizens to the local community.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said Camden’s newest citizens came from more than 20 different countries, including Lebanon, Colombia, India and Malaysia.
“Coming from an Italian background myself, I know just how special it is to be officially welcomed into a new community,” Cr Fedeli said.
“Which is why it is my pleasure to welcome people from all different countries into this community.
“It’s one of my favourite things about being mayor.
“I’m so proud our community is so diverse, woven together by respect.’’
Council points to figures that show the residents who make up the Camden community in 2019 identify with more than 100 different nationalities, were born in more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 different languages and adhere to more than 35 different religions.
“This is something I very strongly feel should be embraced and celebrated,’’ says Cr Fedeli, pictured at Tuesday ceremony.
“Seeing these new, valued members so eager to commit to our community fills me with pride.
“We are so blessed to live in Australia and it’s a special thing to see our residents come forward and pledge themselves to this country – to knowingly embrace Australian values, to contribute to our country’s future and to really be an Australian.”
Tuesday’s citizenship ceremony was the fourth of five Camden Council will hold this year.
For more information on becoming an Australian citizen, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
