We recently celebrated Australian Citizenship Day, so we are taking the opportunity to look back at our new citizens over 2019.
This year, 409 people representing 44 different nationalities made the Australian citizenship pledge during ceremonies held in Maroondah.
Council regularly hosts citizenship ceremonies – the important final step to becoming an Australian citizen.
Citizenship ceremonies involve candidates pledging support for Australia by reciting an oath or affirmation and receiving their citizenship certificate.
Mayor of Maroondah Cr Rob Steane said citizenship was the common bond uniting all Australians, whether you are an Australian citizen by birth or by choice.
"Maroondah is a multicultural society, one that celebrates the richness of its community. Citizenship means contributing to our future success as a nation and to our Maroondah community, while respecting our diversity," he said.
"Attending a citizenship ceremony is the last step in the journey to becoming an Australian citizen and receiving your Certificate of Australian Citizenship."
Approximately five Australian citizenship ceremonies are held in Maroondah each year. The first ceremony is held on the morning of Australia Day (26 January) at the Ringwood Lake Park soundshell. The remaining ceremonies are usually held every two months at Karralyka.
The ceremonies fulfil requirements under Australian citizenship law, and also provide an opportunity for the City of Maroondah to officially welcome its new citizens.
Cr Steane said this year marked 70 years since Australian citizenship was introduced into law, creating for the first time a legal status of being uniquely Australian.
"During this time, more than five million people have taken the oath of citizenship and have created a new life here in Australia," he said.
"Citizenship ceremonies are one of the highlights on our civic calendar. It is always a pleasure to conduct these ceremonies and be there to witness people from so many different countries embrace Australia, and Maroondah, as their new home."
The next citizenship ceremonies to be held in Maroondah will be on Thursday 10 October and Thursday 12 December 2019, where more than 200 people are expected to become citizens.
