In one of its biggest ceremonies in more than two years, the Wagga Wagga community welcomed 51 new Australian citizens to the city this week during a moving Citizenship Ceremony at the Civic Theatre.
The conferees, who ranged in age from three years old to 65 years old, took the citizenship pledge of commitment and becoming citizens in front of a strong crowd of family, friends, and supporters on Wednesday 30 July 2025.
Countries of origin included Afghanistan, India, Iraq, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, The Philippines, Tibet, and Turkey.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout was delighted to preside over this week's ceremony, saying it was wonderful to have so many cultures represented from all over the world pledging loyalty to Australia.
"Having the honour and opportunity as Mayor of this city to physically sign your citizenship certificates was a very emotional experience for me, knowing what that represents and means to each of you," Cr Tout said.
"I know you, our new Australians, have many traditions, beliefs and abilities and I encourage you all to use all of those to make this city and region the best in rural and regional Australia.
"To our new citizens – what an occasion this is for you. Australia welcomes you today with open arms and I celebrate with you as a fellow citizen of this wonderful country. I trust that your time in Wagga Wagga, and the region, will be all you wish it to be.
"Living in a city and region that is so welcoming, diverse and most importantly inclusive is what myself as Mayor, and all other members of our communities are so proud of."
Wagga Wagga is a proud multicultural city, with 114 nationalities represented and 107 different languages spoken.
Council generally hosts between 10 and 12 Citizenship Ceremonies each year, including the Australia Day ceremony.
"This year, there has been a large number of people in our city who want to become Australian citizens and call our country home," Cr Tout said.
"We are expecting the number of conferees to remain high at the remaining ceremonies planned for 2025."
The next Citizenship Ceremony will be held on 19 August 2025.
