Hawkesbury City Council recently held a special citizenship ceremony on 26 February to welcome 11 new citizens to the Hawkesbury.
The citizens took the citizenship pledge at the Council Chambers, with people from the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Germany, New Zealand, Thailand, and South Africa, aged between 60 and six years old, making up the new citizens who are now proud Hawkesbury residents.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Sarah McMahon was delighted to welcome the new citizens as part of the Hawkesbury community.
"We are a friendly community here and we encourage you to enjoy everything that the Hawkesbury offers. It is also wonderful to see people come along to attend a citizenship ceremony to welcome and support our new Australian citizens," Mayor McMahon said.
"Citizenship ceremonies provide us with the chance to promote and recognise active citizenship in our community. Active citizenship is about people getting involved in our local community and involved in democracy at all levels, and displaying values such as respect, inclusion and helping others.
"We have many active citizens in our community, and we encourage our new citizens to also become active in various ways including by volunteer for a local community organisation, charity, school or sporting club, or at Council itself where we appreciate the many volunteers who assist at our facilities," Mayor McMahon said.
"Another way to be active citizens is by participating in local community events such as Harmony Day."
The message of Harmony Day is social cohesion and racial harmony, and is expressed through community participation, inclusiveness, the celebration of diversity, respect, belonging, and primarily the unity and togetherness from the numerous nationalities residing within the community. The day celebrates Australia's cultural diversity and is timed to coincide with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
"Harmony Day is celebrated each year on 21 March and aims to foster inclusiveness, respect, and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution to society. Please come along and join in Harmony Day," Mayor McMahon said.
Harmony Day in the Hawkesbury
Harmony Day will be held from 10am to midday at Richmond Park and Merana Aboriginal Community Association at 2/20 West Market Street, Richmond (access to Merana will be available next to the Grandstand in Richmond Park). Everyone is welcome to the Family Fun Day celebrations and activities.
Hawkesbury City Council is a proud partner of this event along with Strong Nation Community Services, Merana Aboriginal Community Association, Peppercorn Services Inc., HCOS – Hawkesbury Community Outreach Services, and Richmond Community Services Inc.
