The Manning Valley is now home to 33 proud new Australians following a citizenship ceremony at MidCoast Council’s Taree chambers.
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MidCoast Council administrator John Turner and community spaces and services director Paul De Szell presided over the ceremony.
Mr Turner began proceedings by reading a welcoming statement from Federal immigration minister Peter Dutton.
"Peoples of all backgrounds and religions strengthen our country and only together united, will our future be as strong as our present and past.”
Mr Turner then delivered an address of his own and said they would all be welcomed into the community.
“We all need to belong to a family and a community, to share the past and hold common hopes and goals for the future.
"By becoming an Australian citizen, you are showing that you want to be part of the Australian future.
"In the spirit of multiculturalism, we also share your goals as is the Australian culture,” Mr Turner said.
Mr De Szell read out the names of each person and presented them with their citizenship certificate.
They also received a plant, a toy koala or kangaroo and small Australian and Aborginal flags to symbolise their new beginnings in Australia.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of ‘Advance Australia Fair’, with some new citizens almost brought to tears of happiness as they sang.
