27 January 2010

More than 16,000 new Australians took citizenship on Australia Day

Some 16 500 people from 144 countries made the Australian citizenship pledge in venues across the country on Australia Day, the national day.

A total of 350 ceremonies were held across Australia, the largest in Wanneroo, Western Australia where some 2600 people became citizens in the largest ceremony in Australian history.

In Canberra, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd conferred Australian citizenship on 77 people from 23 countries.

In New South Wales, 3500 people became citizens at more than 100 ceremonies across the state including at Byron Bay, Broken Hill, Albury and Tamworth.

In the state of Victoria, more than 3000 people became citizens, while in Tasmania some 300 new citizens were welcomed at 15 ceremonies.
South Australia’s traditional ceremony was staged during the one–day international cricket match at Adelaide Oval, and 950 people took Australian Citizenship.

In Queensland, 3500 people become citizens at around 60 ceremonies in Queensland.

In the Northern Territory, around 120 people from 34 countries become citizens at ceremonies in Darwin as well as remote locations such as Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy.

The Australian Immigration Minister, Senator Chris Evans, said Australia has been enriched by the cultures of people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to call Australia home.

“Becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country and the desire to share a common future,” Mr Evans said.

Australia’s national day, held on 26 January, also gives all Australians the chance to celebrate being part of Australia.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian Visa applications with the Australian Embassy.