Hundreds Proudly Become Aussie Citizens

Four hundred community members have become Australian citizens and publicly pledged their commitment to Australia in front of friends and family.

Two ceremonies were held at the Norlane ARC Auditorium on Australia Day yesterday, which some community members may refer to as 26 January in reflection of their values. The City takes care to acknowledge Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and all First Peoples in Geelong at this event.

The emotional ceremonies were presided over by Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM and Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson. Councillors Andrew Katos, Eddy Kontelj and Rowan Story AM, RFD, along with Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP, also attended to support the conferees.

The new citizens hail from 40 different countries, including Afghanistan, China, India, Germany, Nepal, Pakistan, the UK and the USA.

This year, we plan on holding eight to nine citizenship ceremonies in total, on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. In 2025, we held 20 citizenship ceremonies and conferred citizenship upon 1,175 community members.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:

I love watching the conferees' reactions as they take the pledge and are declared citizens, and as they receive their citizenship certificates

These ceremonies are so special and hold a lot of meaning for conferees.

Choosing to become an Australian citizen is a very important expression of commitment to being part of our region and Australia.

Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson:

Nearly 18 per cent of our total population?in the region was born overseas and it is wonderful to see our rich and vibrant multicultural community continue to grow and contribute.

Congratulations to our 400 new citizens who have affirmed their commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future.

As of 31 December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries have been invited to attend one of more than 425 citizenship ceremonies hosted by local government councils and other organisations nationally as part of their Australia Day events program.

Of these, more than 18,800 people from over 150 countries have been invited to become citizens on Australia Day at one of more than 325 ceremonies.

Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/citizenship to find out more about our citizenship ceremonies.