20/01/2025

Throughout the year, Georges River Council hosts a number of citizenship ceremonies to welcome new Australian Citizens to our local area, on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. Sunday 26 January 2025 marks the first of these ceremonies for the year.
 
Citizenship ceremonies are important as they are a celebration of becoming a part of our national story and mark the beginning of a new citizen’s role and responsibility in contributing to their community. The ceremonies are also a reflection of our multicultural society, highlighting how different cultures and backgrounds come together to enrich the community.
 
New citizens can bring new skills, experiences and perspectives to local communities, with citizenship ceremonies marking the point at which individuals become active contributors to their neighbourhoods and communities, strengthening social cohesion.
 
Citizenship ceremonies can hold great personal meaning for new citizens. They allow time for reflection and to acknowledge the emotional journey an individual may have undergone to reach this milestone. Citizenship ceremonies can provide a sense of accomplishment, security, and belonging.
 
Local government plays an important role hosting citizenship ceremonies, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for new citizens, offering them a chance to connect with the local community as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
 
Local councils are often the first point of contact for new citizens looking to establish their new lives in Australia. Councils are in a unique position to understand the needs of their diverse population and can offer personalised support to newcomers to ensure they are fully included in the social and economic life of the community.
 
Additionally, councils have the unique ability to connect new citizens to the immediate resources and opportunities available in the local area. This could include providing information about local services, community programs, and opportunities to get involved in local governance or volunteer initiatives. The role of local government goes beyond simply hosting the event; it’s about ensuring that new citizens feel like they are an integral part of the community from the very beginning.
 
You can find out more on our citizenship ceremonies page.