Almost 900 local residents became Australian citizens this year in Campbelltown alone.
And 200 of them were able to become Aussies in time for Christmas because Campbelltown City Council decided to hold two citizenship ceremonies this month.
In fact the two ceremonies were held last Wednesday inside the Campbelltown Civic Centre, one at 3pm and the second at 6.30pm.
The prospective citizens – who came to Australia from countries such as Zimbabwe, the Philippines and India – were split into two even groups of 100 residents each.
Council hosts citizenship ceremonies regularly over the course of the year for local residents who have applied to become Australian citizens through the Department of Home Affairs.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is a very special occasion in a person’s life,’’ said Mayor George Brticevic, who officiates at all of council’s citizenship ceremonies.
“We decided to host two ceremonies in December so the residents who will become naturalised are able to enjoy the opportunities and benefits of being an Australian citizen,” Cr Brticevic said, pictured left.
“Getting their citizenship before Christmas means they can then enjoy this special time with their families and friends as our newest Australians,’’ he said.
Becoming naturalised also has practical benefits such as being able to make overseas travel plans during the holidays and pursue any tertiary education enrolments.
The two citizenship ceremonies brought the total number of people to become Australian citizens in Campbelltown City this year to 850.
“It is a great honour to confer Australian citizenship to people who appreciate and honour our values and who want to make Australia their home,’’ Cr Brticevic said.
