New Mayor welcomes new citizens

Lake Macquarie’s youngest-ever Mayor welcomed almost 100 new Aussies on Friday morning at one of the most culturally diverse citizenship ceremonies in the city’s history.

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Mayor Adam Shultz said the 97 people taking the Australian Citizenship Pledge at the ceremony at Rathmines Theatre ranged in age from five to 88 and hailed from 33 nations.

“It was amazing to see so many smiling faces and people proud to become new Australians,” he said.

“Today is not just about welcoming people from across the globe as new Australian citizens, it’s about recognising and celebrating the richness they add to our community with their diverse cultures and traditions.”

Mayor Shultz said he was particularly excited to meet entire families taking the pledge.

“As a father of three young kids myself, I know what a special place Lake Macquarie is to bring up a family,” he said.

“I’m glad people from all around the world share this sentiment.”

They included Samson and Oluwatosin Shobowale, who migrated to Australia from Nigeria four years ago and settled in Cameron Park.

Their two eldest children, Erioluwa, 5, and Inioluwa, 8, also became official Aussies at the ceremony, while their youngest, Ewaoluwa, 18 months, was born here.

Ms Shobowale said she was proud and excited to become an Australian citizen.

“We love everything about Australia,” she said.

“Our dream has finally come true.”