Shellharbour City Council is encouraging people to reflect on the value of diversity today, Australian Citizenship Day, Thursday 17 September.

Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that although this year there would be no formal in-person ceremony due to COVID-19, Citizenship Day was an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the shared values that unite us.

“Citizenship is a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect,” Cr Saliba said.

“Each year we are privileged to welcome new Australians to our growing community. Over the course of the pandemic Council has been holding its citizenship ceremonies online, ensuring that our newest Australians do not have to delay what is an important event in their lives.

“While the experience of conducting citizenship ceremonies via video has been different, these events have still been very moving for the participants, Council staff and myself.

“I have missed not being able to shake the hands of our newest citizens and handing them their certificates, but it has been lovely to discover that these events are still been quite emotional for all involved,” she said.

For more information visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008