Hawkesbury City Council welcomed 97 conferees at The Regent Theatre in Richmond on Australian Citizenship Day, where they made their citizenship pledge to become the Hawkesbury’s newest citizens and officially call Australia home.
Held on Thursday, 17 September 2026 the new citizens stood before Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett, Superintendent Nadine Roberts of Hawkesbury Police Area Command, Warrant Officer Roy Naden from RAAF Base Richmond and Hawkesbury City Council General Manager, Will Barton to pledge their allegiance to Australia.
Hailing from 30 countries, they were among thousands of people becoming citizens all over Australia in celebration of Australian Citizenship Day.
Mayor Lyons-Buckett said, “Australia welcomes every new citizen who pledges their allegiance to Australia and commits to our shared values, whether we are citizens through birth or by active choice.”
“It is an exciting day, and one that should be acknowledged and celebrated.”
Mr Barton said, “Australia is a wonderful, multicultural community and it’s this multiculturalism that makes our country diverse, strong and welcoming.”
“We know you bring with you different experiences, unique perspectives, skills and stories that will add to the diversity that makes Australia and the Hawkesbury such a wonderful place to live.”
Each new citizen received a certificate, a commemorative coin and a native plant, from Council’s community nursery, as a welcome gift.
