Geraldton welcomed another fresh crop of new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony today as part of the Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said today’s ceremony will be one of hundreds of ceremonies taking place across Australia that will see thousands of people officially become new citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.

“Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” he said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for all of us to contemplate the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

“I encourage everyone in Greater Geraldton to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship today as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

This intake of conferees will bring the total to 111 people who have become Australian citizens so far in 2022.

City staff have worked tirelessly to clear the backlog of those waiting to make their commitment to Australia after COVID-19 caused significant interruptions to scheduled ceremonies.

This ceremony will be the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The portrait will be respectfully updated once the period of mourning has passed and official photos of His Majesty King Charles III have been released.

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www.citizenship.gov.au.