The City of Maroondah is preparing to welcome 37 of Australia’s newest citizens during a special ceremony on Tuesday 26 January.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said Maroondah was home to people from countries around the world. He welcomed the opportunity to meet those who had decided to become Australian citizens on Australia Day.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian,” Cr Makin said.

“On Australia Day, Maroondah is set to welcome new citizens from countries including India (10 people), Myanmar (seven people), and China (five people) – a reflection of our ever-growing cultural diversity,” Cr Makin said.

“Through citizenship we can all celebrate our democratic values and commitment to a fair go, equality, freedom of speech and religion, and the rule of law,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah residents making the citizenship pledge on Australia Day will be among 16,000 others taking part in naturalisation ceremonies across the country.

The Maroondah Australia Day Awards ceremony will kick start Australia Day celebrations at 10am at the Karralyka Centre, Mines Rd, Ringwood East. The awards will be followed by Maroondah’s Citizenship Ceremony.

Maroondah’s Australia Day Ambassador Dr Hass Dellal will address the audience during the awards ceremony.

Dr Dellal is executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation. He has over 20 years experience in policy, management, community development and programming for cultural diversity. Dr Dellal has extensive experience nationally and internationally in multicultural affairs and serves on various committees, spearheading initiatives for the development of the general community.

Elsewhere, the local highlight of our national day will take place at Ringwood Lake from 11am to 2pm. Bring the family along to celebrate what makes Australia great and enjoy a free barbecue, face painting and community activities.