Blacktown welcomes 2500 people in 2018

Published on 20 November 2018

In a remarkable year, more than 2,500 Blacktown City residents have become Australian citizens in 2018.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said it was a pleasure to welcome so many people into the community as citizens of Australia.

“Citizenship ceremonies play a critical role in Australian life and Blacktown City Council endeavours to honour these moments with a truly memorable Australian experience,” Mayor Bali said.

“It is a privilege to witness people from across the world beam with joy as they publicly pledge their loyalty and affirm their commitment to Australia.”

Blacktown City Council is one of the top three councils in NSW in welcoming residents into the community.  Most migrants choose to settle in the suburb of Blacktown followed by Quakers Hill, The Ponds and Mount Druitt.

Indrajith Kamburawala and his son, Ranindu, were typical of the new citizens in expressing their joy after receiving citizenship certificates earlier in November.

“We’re very proud today and receiving the citizenship makes us feel at home,” Mr Kamburawala said.

“I arrived in 2010 from Sri Lanka and we’ve settled in Ropes Crossing.

“I’ve made friends in the suburb and workplace and it feels like home because it’s very multicultural here [in Blacktown]… it’s very beautiful and safe and I don’t think I’ll ever leave.”

Blacktown City Council held 16 ceremonies in 2018 with the last super ceremony taking place on November 8 where 160 people became Australian citizens.

With the influx of migrants, 20 ceremonies have already been organised for 2019, with an expected 3,200 people set to sing the Australian National Anthem and officially call Australia home.