City opens arms to new citizens

Newcastle welcomed 67 new Australian citizens today in a ceremony at City Hall.

Hailing from 25 different countries, the new Australians received their citizenship certificates from Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

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

"Newcastle is a welcoming city for people of all cultures and religious backgrounds. We are proud to be a culturally diverse, inclusive community."

The Novocastrians who officially became Australians today come from: Argentina, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, England, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Liberia, Malta, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Ireland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

Aboriginal elder Aunty Phyllis Darcey gave the Welcome to Country and entertainment was provided by Wakagetti Indigenous performers 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.