The Hawkesbury plans to welcome 32 new citizens originating from Canada, Ukraine, Germany, Bangladesh, India, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, France, the Philippines and South Africa on Australia Day, 26 January 2023.
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) will be the Presiding Officer for the special Australian citizenship ceremony and will be accompanied by his wife, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.
"The Governor-General of Australia is His Majesty The King's representative. In practice, Australia's Head of State. We are delighted to welcome His Excellency and Mrs Hurley to our 2023 Australian citizenship ceremony," Mayor McMahon said.
The Governor-General, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, will be welcomed to the ceremony by the 336 Squadron Air Force Cadets from RAAF Base, Richmond. The Cadets will provide a Guard of Honour for His Excellency and Mrs Hurley upon arrival.
Mayor McMahon stated, "An Australian citizenship ceremony is a special opportunity to welcome new Australians into our local community, and to have Their Excellencies join us makes it even more special."
"Native plants from the Hawkesbury Community Nursery will be presented to all new citizens by Mrs Hurley as a citizenship gift," Mayor McMahon said.
Federal Member for Macquarie Ms Susan Templeman, State Member for Hawkesbury Ms Robyn Preston, Hawkesbury Police Area Commander Superintendent Andrew Gardner and RAAF Base Richmond Air Commodore Bradley Clarke, CSC, OAM will also be in attendance along with the Mayor and Councillors. Ms Erin Wilkins will perform a Welcome to Country as part of the event. (Image above from Hawkesbury Citizenship Ceremony 2020 - Australian Citizenship is often a special family event.)
Hosted by Hawkesbury City Council and supported by the Department of Home Affairs, the ceremony will be a private event.
