Image Caption: Deputy Mayor Clr De Masi, Aye Thidar Thaw and Mayor Byrne.
Australia Day will forever be a treasured date on the calendar for 97 Hills Shire residents who became citizens during a citizenship ceremony at Council's Chambers.
Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Dr Michelle Byrne, reflected on the significance of the ceremony.
"I would like to congratulate our newest citizens on this tremendous milestone and for allowing all of us here in The Hills to be part of your exciting new chapter," Mayor Byrne said.
"One of our greatest strengths as a community is our multiculturalism. Our new citizens will bring their experiences to our community and contribute to our wonderful story here in The Hills.
"Our nation's day provides every Australian an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to call Australia home, and I couldn't think of a better day to take the pledge."
The new citizens hail from 29 countries across the world, including India, Kenya, New Zealand, Ecuador, China, Mexico and Sweden.
Ms Aye Thidar Thaw from Myanmar was among the 97 residents who took the pledge and expressed how proud she was to become a new citizen on Australia Day.
"Becoming an Australian citizen marks a new chapter filled with belonging and opportunity. I wish to be part of this inclusive community and contribute to its vibrant diversity," Ms Thidar Thaw said.
To read more about Ms Thaw and another of our citizens, read their Q&A's below:
Interview with Ms Aye Thidar Thaw
Q. What is your name and your previous country of citizenship?
A. My name is Aye Thidar Thaw, and I was previously a citizen of Myanmar.
Q. Why do you want to become an Australian citizen?
A. I wish to become an Australian citizen to be a part of this inclusive community and contribute to its vibrant diversity.
Q. What are you most looking forward to when you become an Australian citizen?
A. am most looking forward to exercising my rights and responsibilities as an Australian citizen.
Q. What does becoming an Australian citizen mean to you?
A. Becoming an Australian citizen marks a new chapter filled with belonging and opportunity.
Q. What do you think unites us as Australians?
A. I believe we are united as Australians by our shared values of respect, inclusivity, and fairness.
Q. Are you happy for your answers to be published in local media?
A. Yes, I am happy for my answers to be published in local media.
Above: Ms Aye Thidar Thaw with her daughter Avery.
Interview with Archig Enkh-Amgalan
Q. What is your name and your previous country of citizenship?
A. My name is Archig Enkh-Amgalan. I was born in Mongolia.
Q. Why do you want to become an Australian citizen?
A. I wanted to contribute fully to our country's future as a proud citizen. I feel deeply connected to our country's multicultural community and admire the values of equality.
Q. What are you most looking forward to when you become an Australian citizen?
A. I am most looking forward to being able to participate in Australia's election processes.
Q. What does an Australian citizen mean to you?
A. Becoming an Australian citizen means embracing the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
Q. What do you think unites us as Australians?
A. What unites us as Australians is our shared commitment for better future, respect for one another regardless of our backgrounds, a fair go for everyone, and our love for the land and its people.
Above: Archig Enkh-Amgalan and his family.
