Five new citizens welcomed this Australian Citizenship Day

September 17, 2021

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

The conferees from four countries, including Canada, Mongolia, Fiji and the United Kingdom became Australian citizens at a ceremony at the Smithurst Theatre.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day. Gunnedah Shire Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey said Australian Citizenship Day was an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“COVID-19 restrictions will result in fewer citizenship ceremonies than usual this year, however we still want to mark this important occasion and welcome new Australians to our community”, Cr Chaffey said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for us all to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship, and as Mayor it is always an honour to see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey.

 “I encourage everyone in the Gunnedah Shire to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Caption: (From left to right) Graham Montgomery, Michelle Carter, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Mark Shanahan, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Narantuya (Nara) Batsukh and Iliesa Hanimo Navatu all attended today’s citizenship ceremony.

ENDS

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