City opens arms to new citizens

Newcastle has welcomed 85 new Australian citizens.

Hailing from 29 different countries, the new Australians received their citizenship certificates after making the Australian Citizenship pledge at City Hall yesterday afternoon.

"It's always a great honour to welcome new citizens from all corners of the globe," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"We host three citizenship ceremonies a year at City Hall and they're truly uplifting events well worth witnessing for the bright new beginnings they represent.

"Newcastle is a welcoming city for people of all cultures and religious backgrounds. We are proud to be an inclusive community where diversity is embraced, everyone is valued and enjoys a chance to contribute and belong."

The Novocastrians who officially became Australians hail from: Bangladesh, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, England, France, FYR (former yugoslav republic) of Macedonia, Federal Republic of Germany, Germany, India, Iran, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malaysia, Mozambique, Peru, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

Aboriginal elder Aunty Phyllis Darcey gave the Welcome to Country, and entertainment was provided by Hunter School of Performing Art's Millabah Dance Troupe and the Grainery Church Choir.

Newcastle is Australia’s second-oldest city with a population of more than 160,000, almost 30,000 of whom were born overseas.