Kingborough’s newest citizens were welcomed on Friday, June 21 by Liberal Senator, Eric Abetz, Labor Senator, Catryna Bilyk, Franklin Liberal MP, Jacquie Petrusma, Labor Federal MP, Julie Collins, Franklin Labor MP, David O’Bynre and Franklin Greens MP, Rosalie Woodruff in a ceremony presided over by Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter and Kingborough Councillors.

In one of Kingborough’s largest ever citizenship ceremonies, and the first in the new Kingborough Community Hub, 47 Kingborough residents from 19 countries became Australian citizens.
In welcoming them, Senator Abetz, representing the Minister for Immigration David Coleman, said, “Australian citizenship confers great benefits, but equally rights and obligations.
“Australia stands proud in today’s world recognised for defending the values, rights and obligations which will stand us in good stead for as long as we embrace them.
Senator Abetz encouraged every non-citizen to consider becoming an Australian citizen and to enjoy the freedoms and privileges it brings.
“It’s never too late.
“I’ve had the honour of attending a number of these ceremonies over the years and I’ve met some wonderful people who have made the pledge to become Australian citizens.
“It is always an honour to represent the Government welcoming new citizens at citizenship ceremonies, particularly in the wonderful Kingborough municipality in which I grew up, was educated, started a business and raised our family.”

PIctured: Senator Eric Abetz with Franklin MP, Jacquie Petrusma, congratulating the Falaki family Friday, June 21 at the Kingborough citizenship ceremony at the Kingston Hub. (PS)