Hume council has welcomed 89 new citizens to the municipality following a citizenship ceremony held on Australia Day last week.
The 89 new residents hold citizenship in a total of 17 other countries, including Syria, Vietnam, Somalia and New Zealand.
Hume council mayor Carly Moore said that all new citizens were encouraged to continue to champion their cultural heritage as they integrate into the municipality.
“In Hume, we embrace the many languages and cultures that combine to form our
community and it is always a privilege to welcome new Australian citizens at our
citizenship ceremonies,” Cr Moore said.
“We are all lucky to live in this great country, and to be a part of the story of Australia.
“[But] we acknowledge that January 26 is not a day of celebration for all people in our
community.”
Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung elder Aunty Georgina opened the ceremony with a welcome to country in what was a different Australia Day at Hume.
Historically Hume council has held awards for its residents along with its annual citizenship ceremony at the same event on January 26.
But at a meeting held in December 2021, Hume council resolved to shift its resident awards ceremony to be held at a separate event instead of Australia Day.
