More than 75 people from all corners of the globe were sworn in as Australian citizens at a ceremony at Rathmines today.
The 77 men, women and children who took the citizenship pledge of commitment hailed from 29 different countries, including Turkey, Samoa, New Zealand and China.
Bilbin Jose and Honey Madappallil, originally from India, moved to Australia more than five years ago with their three kids, Chris, Crystal and Carmel.
“Australia is a beautiful, peaceful and multi-cultural country,” mother Bilblin Jose said.
“Thinking about our kids, it’s a good place to live and study.”
“We definitely knew that if we chose Australia, we would get a good future here.”
Becoming Australian Citizens was an emotional day for the family of five.
“At first we were a little bit nervous taking the pledge, but after it’s really exciting.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who guided the ceremony, said it was always heart-warming to welcome people from all walks of life into our community.
“I hope each and every person today enjoys the start of this exciting new chapter in their lives,” she said.
“And what a day to celebrate on this blue-sky spring morning in this beautiful part of the world.”
More than 2000 people have been sworn in as Australian citizens in Lake Macquarie since Cr Fraser was elected as Mayor in 2016.
“As Australians we have so much to appreciate and enjoy, and I can think of no better place to start or continue life as a citizen than in Lake Macquarie City,” Cr Fraser said.
