Huon Valley Council welcomes new citizens

On Wednesday 24 July, seven Huon Valley residents became Australian citizens at an official ceremony in the Council Chambers.

The new citizens were welcomed from five different countries around the world, including Chile, Poland, the United Kingdom, Finland and China.

Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders said the ceremony saw an uplifting gathering of community members who wanted to give their support and sincere congratulations to the new citizens.

“It was a significant day for all involved,” Cr Enders said. “We are delighted that our new citizens have chosen to call the Huon Valley home and make a special commitment to the values and responsibilities we all share.”

In 2016, overseas-born residents made up 14.6 per cent of the Huon Valley community, and 12 per cent of the population of Tasmania. Of all municipal areas, the Huon Valley has the third-largest percentage of residents born overseas.

“Our citizenship ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Huon Valley, and recognise the important contributions our new citizens can make to the vitality and harmony of our community,” Cr Enders said.