From next week I have the great honour of commencing virtual citizenship ceremonies for residents of the Central Coast region. Our role in welcoming new citizens to the Central Coast region is one we greatly value and hope our newest citizens enjoy. Citizenship ceremonies are special events. They fulfil requirements under Australian citizenship law. They also provide an important opportunity to officially welcome new citizens as part of the Australian community.

The virtual ceremonies will be run in order of approved citizenship. Council works closely with the Department of Home Affairs who supplies Council with a list of citizens for conferring. Council will be looking to host five virtual ceremonies fortnightly across the next two months, conferring up to 150 residents. We hope to resume in person ceremonies from next year, allowing time and preparations following restrictions being eased.

It is not unusual at each ceremony to have up to 60 countries represented by people becoming Australian citizens. This makes up the wonderful tapestry of our country, and provides for diversity that plays an active part in local communities to build an even stronger nation.

I look forward to welcoming our newest citizens in the coming months.

Rik Hart, Administrator