Mayor Geoff Kettle welcomed the 24 people taking the pledge, saying the Citizenship Ceremony was a chance to remind people of the many democratic freedoms that Australian citizens’ enjoy.

“Today’s Australia is a cohesive, unified nation and Citizenship is a common bond uniting all Australians, whether they are Australia’s traditional inhabitants, first generation migrants or descendants of earlier settlers. Our rich heritage stems from the contributions made by all of us,” Cr Kettle said.

He reiterated the values held dear by all Australians including: parliamentary democracy, equality before the law, freedom of the individual, freedom of speech and religion, equality between men and women and equal opportunity for all.

“We celebrate the diversity of Australian people, we also aim to build a cohesive and unified nation,” Cr Kettle said.

The group sang the National Anthem at the event and had their photographs taken.

Those taking the pledge on the day included: Mr Nishantha Batuthanne, Miss Kushari Batuthanne, Mr Sunil Isaac, Ms Nicola Joyce, Mrs Eva Obeid, Dr Khalil Obeid, Adam Obeid, Ibrahim Obeid, Meriam Obeid, Ryana Obeid, Mr Singh Paramjeet, Ms Harmeet Kaur, Mrs Sherin Puthenparampil, Miss Annvea Ajeesh, Mr Navjot Sappal, Mrs Inna Sergeeva, Mr Tiago Simoes, Mr Duh Sang Thi Hlum, Mr Ajeesh Thomas, Ms Jeanne Uwineza, Egide Ishimwe, Miss Benithe Karungi , Miss Benigne Keza and Mrs Katarzyna Williams.

They were from varied places including: Sri Lanka, Fiji, Ireland, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, India, USSR, Brazil, Myanmar, Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

A group photograph and family photographs are available to download from on Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Facebook page.