On Saturday 30 August, I had the absolute joy and honour of attending the Blue Mountains City Council Citizenship Ceremony—a truly moving occasion where over 60 new Australians were officially welcomed into our community by our great mayor, Mark Greenhill. In the beautiful surrounds of our World Heritage mountains, we gathered to witness and celebrate people from 30 different countries, across every continent, take the pledge to become Australian citizens. This is diversity in its most genuine and powerful form—a reflection of the modern Australia that we are proud to be building together. The ceremony began with a beautiful acknowledgment from young Kelsie King, a Gundungurra woman. She always tells a lovely little story that brings people together and acknowledges the history of First Nations people and how proud we all are.
There is something profoundly special about these ceremonies. They are a reminder of what binds us—our shared hopes, values and aspirations, regardless of where our journeys began. What struck me, as always, was the emotion in the room when we all rose to sing our national anthem. The words "For those who've come across the seas, we've boundless plains to share; with courage let us all combine to advance Australia fair" were sung with gusto, from the heart and they resonated with deep meaning. These are not just lyrics. They are a statement of who we are as a nation and who we strive to be: inclusive, generous and united in our diversity. It brings me enormous pride that so many people have travelled different paths to get here, and choose the Blue Mountains as their home.
Whether from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Pacific, or the Middle East, each new citizen adds another thread to the rich cultural tapestry of our region. In the current climate of negativity, racial abuse and discrimination, citizenship ceremonies like those the Blue Mountains City Council hold are a real testament to beauty and inclusivity. In remarks delivered by Federal member for Macquarie Susan Templeman, on behalf of the Hon. Tony Burke, MP, Minister for Home Affairs, and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the following significant statement made at all citizenship ceremonies was made:
In a few moments time, Australia becomes an even better nation. When you make the citizenship pledge you take on the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship. From that moment your journey and heritage will become part of our shared Australian story.
Those remarks remind us that we are privileged to share this land with First Nations Australians, the custodians of the world's oldest continuing culture, and that understanding this truth is a vital part of what it means to be Australian. She went on to say:
Australia welcomes you as a full member of one of the most diverse nations on earth, where our citizenship is a bond which unites us all. Australia welcomes you and everything you bring to Australia. Today your new nation says to you "welcome home".
Looking out from the stage at all of those who gathered at the ceremony to see their family and friends come together was a beautiful sight. I echo the words of the Minister and say welcome home to our newest Australians. I thank them for choosing Australia. I thank them for choosing the beautiful Blue Mountains. Their presence enriches us all. May we always honour the privilege of living in this country by ensuring that inclusion, understanding and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. I thank our newest citizens for their contribution to our community.
