An online citizenship ceremony has welcomed 17 new Australian citizens from all corners of the world into the Bega Valley.
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The ceremony was held online on September 17, welcoming new citizens from Colombia, South Africa, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick welcomed and congratulated the newest citizens, while simultaneously celebrating the anniversary of the ceremony.
"Today's ceremony is particularly significant as not only is it Australian Citizenship Day, but it's the 20th anniversary of this great day," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
Djiringanj elder Aunty Colleen Dixon also joined online, to open the ceremony with a Welcome to Country and greet the newest citizens.
Cr Fitzpatrick said it was a day to reflect on the significance and importance of becoming an Australian citizen and the responsibilities ad privileges citizens have.
"Australian citizenship is something to be valued and celebrated, and today is a moment in the lives of our newest citizens to be remembered with honour and enjoyment."