Meet the newest citizens to join the Kempsey Shire
Published on 28 June 2022
Fourteen excited people have officially become Australians following a Citizenship Ceremony held in Kempsey on Tuesday morning.
The undoubted highlight of the June Council meeting was welcoming 14 new Australian Citizens, heralding from countries including England, Philippines, Cambodia, India, Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand.
Loved ones packed Council Chambers as Kempsey Shire Mayor, Leo Hauville, and Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan MP, welcomed the new citizens and conducted the ceremony as they embraced and pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Leo Hauville, said it was an honour to officially welcome the new Australians to the Kempsey Shire.
“On behalf of the community, it is my pleasure to say congratulations on this remarkable milestone,” said Mr Hauville.
“Choosing to become a citizen is a very important part of expressing your pride of Australia. We look forward to your contributions and the value you will add to the shire and our community.”
Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan, read a statement on behalf of Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, thanking candidates for deciding to become Australian Citizens.
“Today you join a nation that is one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies with at least half of Australians born overseas, or with at least one parent born overseas,” said Mr Conaghan.
“In Australia, everyone can be proud of who they are, and everyone should be respected, valued, and feel the sense of belonging. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and we prosper by embracing this.”
Following the ceremony, a special morning tea was held for the new Australians who were joined by the Mayor and Mr Conaghan.
Find out more about becoming an Australian Citizen at ksc.pub/citizenship