Three new citizens were welcomed as Australian citizens in a ceremony presided over by Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM on 21st July.
Last Friday, 21st July, the Forbes Council Chambers were once again full, as friends and family witnessed Emily Newham (Vanuatu), Amy Smith (New Zealand) and Fionnuala Young (Ireland and United Kingdom) officially become Australian citizens.
Mayor Miller conducted the ceremony and presented the three women with a welcome gift and their Certificate of Citizenship in front of guests and a number of councillors.
“Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, as well as home to the oldest surviving culture in the world. Since 1949 Australia has welcomed over 5.7 million new citizens to our shores. We are proud to say that 13.4 per cent of Forbes’ population are born overseas and have chosen Forbes as their home,” Mayor Miller said.
Australian Citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. Making the Australian citizenship pledge represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where new citizens have decided to make their home.
Choosing to become an Australian citizen is a very important commitment to make, and a significant part of Australia’s future. Forbes Shire Council places high importance on Australian Citizenship and hosts several ceremonies throughout the year.
“Welcoming Australia’s newest citizens, and welcoming them to Forbes especially, is one of my favourite roles as Mayor of Forbes.
“I can appreciate the fact that living in Forbes is enough to make anyone want to make living here permanent!” said Mayor Miller.
Australian Citizenship Day is held annually on September 17, a day to celebrate what unites us as Australians, whether we are citizens through birth or by choice.