Kiama's new Deputy Mayor Stuart Larkins had the honour of welcoming 20 new Australians to Kiama on Thursday at The Pavilion as part of the national Citizenship Day.
It was Councillor Larkins' first official duty as Deputy Mayor since being elected to his new role at Tuesday night's Council meeting.
He congratulated the new citizens and also read the official message of welcome on behalf of Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Tony Burke.
The new citizens pledged their allegiance to Australia and enthusiastically received their certificate from the Deputy Mayor before posing for photographs with family and friends.
Every year on this day, Australia welcomes thousands of new citizens in local communities across the nation. Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on:
- the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship
- responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.
Whether we are citizens through birth or by active choice, it is a chance for everyone to:
- take pride in our citizenship
- celebrate our democratic values
- think about what unites us as Australians.
