City of Greater Geelong Council has welcomed 82 new Australian citizens to the region’s multicultural community across two ceremonies at City Hall on Monday night.
Mayor, Trent Sullivan presided over the citizenship ceremonies, featuring community members originating from 32 different countries, including Thailand, India, Peru, Brazil, China, Portugal, Afghanistan and Albania.
“The Council is proud of its role in supporting a strong and diverse Geelong community,” said Mayor Sullivan.
“Geelong is a place where people of all cultural backgrounds are welcome and included. Our cultural diversity is one of our community’s great strengths and something worthy of positivity and celebration.”
The Mayor said new arrivals to the region contribute individually to the community in a variety of ways, and collectively, add to the rich cultural fabric of the city.
“This is something we value so much and will continue to foster and support,” he said.
“Taking Monday’s ceremonies into account, the City has now conferred around 900 new Australian citizens on behalf of the federal government so far in 2023.
“Approximately 18% of Greater Geelong’s population, or close to 50,000 residents, were born overseas, and our city was formally declared a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2002.”
