The City of Playford has proudly welcomed 156 new citizens as part of National Citizenship Day celebrations on Wednesday, 17 September.
Over the years, City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty has conferred citizenship on 5637 people, reflecting our city's growing diversity and the valuable contribution of people from many cultures.
Mayor Docherty said National Citizenship Day was an opportunity to celebrate the unique journey of our newest citizens.
"Becoming an Australian citizen is a proud milestone and one that creates a lifelong connection to our community and our country," Mayor Docherty said.
"Each person who takes this step enriches our city with their cultural heritage, talents and commitment to Australia."
Since the first citizenship ceremony in Canberra in 1949, more than 6 million people have become Australian citizens. National Citizenship Day, first celebrated in 2001, is held each year to acknowledge the shared values, responsibilities and freedoms that unite all Australians.
Mayor Docherty believed events like this give us a moment to reflect - especially for our conferees, on their life journey and the path that led them to Australian citizenship.
"For some, it has been a long and challenging road. For others, the decision to come to Australia was driven by family or economic opportunity. No matter the journey, the wonderful part is that we can all now call Australia home - and Playford," Mayor Docherty said.
"Congratulations to everyone who took part in the ceremonies. We are honoured to walk alongside you as you begin this new chapter."
New citizen Onyeka Charles Ogwo, who moved from Nigeria in West Africa six years ago to study a Master of Business in South Australia, was conferred on Wednesday last week and said making Playford home was a proud moment for his young family.
"I came to Australia as a student, met my wife and we now have children. It's wonderful to call Playford our permanent home - it offers security, opportunity and a better future," Mr Ogwo said.
"Playford is a vibrant city with a diverse community, where we live in unity. It's a great place for people from different cultures, and as a young family in Munno Para we look forward to buying a home here and enjoying all that the city has to offer."
The City of Playford has welcomed new Australian citizens from many countries around the world, including Albania, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, England, Iran, Indonesia, India, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Sudan, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
