Greater Geelong welcomed 82 new Australian citizens this week.
Over two ceremonies at City Hall on July 17, mayor Trent Sullivan welcomed new citizens from 32 different countries, including Thailand, India, Peru, Brazil, China, Portugal, Afghanistan and Albania.
Mayor Sullivan said council was proud of its role in supporting a strong and diverse Geelong community.
“Geelong is a place where people of all cultural backgrounds are welcome and included,” he said.
“Our cultural diversity is one of our community’s great strengths and something worthy of positivity and celebration.
“Occasions such as tonight’s ceremonies are always joyous and really highlight the fact that Geelong is a place that people from across the world choose to make home.
“New arrivals to our region contribute individually to our community in a variety of ways, and collectively, add to the rich cultural fabric of our city.
“This is something we value so much and will continue to foster and support.”
Taking this week’s ceremonies into account, the City has now conferred around 900 new Australian citizens on behalf of the federal government so far in 2023.
Approximately 18 percent of Greater Geelong’s population, or close to 50,000 residents, were born overseas, and the city was formally declared a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2002.
