On January 26, 2024, nearly 100 individuals from 32 nations officially became Australian citizens during a ceremony at the Rathmines Theatre in Lake Macquarie. This event was part of a larger celebration taking place across the country, with over 325 citizenship ceremonies welcoming a total of 18,800 new citizens from more than 150 countries.
Among those taking the pledge was Nadeeka Parana Manage, who emigrated from Sri Lanka 13 years ago to pursue higher education. She completed her PhD in environmental engineering and expressed her deep appreciation for becoming an Australian citizen. “There’s more of a sense of belonging and we feel grateful to be part of the Australian community,” she said. Nadeeka was joined by her husband, Rasangeeth, and their daughter, Hazel, during this significant moment.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of citizenship ceremonies. He remarked, “Becoming an Australian citizen is a truly special moment for people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. It’s one that today’s participants will look back on and treasure for many years to come.” Mayor Shultz further emphasized the diverse skills and experiences that new citizens bring to the community.
During the ceremony, Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, reiterated that Australian citizenship is open to anyone committed to the country and its values. He stated, “Every town, every suburb, every sporting club in our nation charts the success stories of migrants who have worked to build their lives and build a better Australia.”
The new citizens hailed from various countries around the globe, including Argentina, Malawi, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Bolivia, New Zealand, Botswana, Pakistan, Canada, the Philippines, Chile, Poland, French Polynesia, the Russian Federation, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, Slovakia, Indonesia, South Africa, Iran, Ireland, Thailand, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, the United States, Libya, and Vietnam.
This ceremony not only marked a new chapter in the lives of the participants but also celebrated Australia’s multicultural identity. Each new citizen brings unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the fabric of Australian society. The event served as a reminder of the values of inclusion and respect that underpin the nation.
As the new citizens reflected on their journeys, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to call Australia home, a sentiment echoed by many across the nation during this day of celebration.
