Over 16,000 migrants become Australian Citizens to mark Australia Day 2010
This week, over 16,000 people from 144 countries have taken the pledge to become an Australian citizen to mark Australia Day.
Ceremonies were held across the country on the 26th January. In New South Wales, 3600 people became citizens. In Wanneroo, Western Australia, the largest citizenship ceremony in Australian history was held. 2600 people became Australian citizens at this event. South Australia’s ceremony was staged at the Adelaide Oval during the one-day international cricket match. Ceremonies were also held in Tasmania, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Minister for Australian Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said: ‘becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country and the desire to share a common future. Australian citizenship ceremonies provide the newest members of our nation with an opportunity to make a formal commitment to this country and to celebrate what it means to be an Australian citizen’.
