Hawkesbury Council marked the recent 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day in a fitting way.
Via video link, mayor Patrick Conolly welcomed 33 new citizens, who hailed from countries includoing Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Malta, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Aftrica, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
Held on Friday, September 17, each citizen was given an individual online ceremony, officiated by Councillor Conolly.
A Welcome to Country was delivered by Darug woman Erin Wilkins, and Federal Macquarie MP Susan Templeman offered a message.
State Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston also addressed the new citizens and the ceremonies were attended by Hawkesbury deputy mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett and councillors Sarah Richards and Danielle Wheeler.
Cr Conolly reflected on the importance of the historical date.
"Each year we are privileged to welcome new Australians as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations," he said.
"The day is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.
"Whether we are citizens through birth or by active choice, it is a chance for all Australians to take pride in our citizenship; celebrate our democratic values and think about what unites us as Australians."