By Melissa Blewitt

On Australia Day, Lachlan Shire welcomed six new Australian citizens at a special citizenship ceremony at the SRA Pavilion in Condobolin.
The six new citizens welcomed at the ceremony were Father Goncalves Neto Getulio, Adriana Monica Quade, George Alex, Bilgy Raju Pezhetholikal, Jayden Alex George and Jayke Raju George.
They were welcomed by Lachlan Shire Council Mayor, Councillor John Medcalf OAM who was the presiding officer for the ceremony.
Mayor Medcalf said the skills and cultural diversity of the new citizens, as well as their hard work and participation in our public life, will enrich our community. He invited all Australians to reflect on our shared values, our national history, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and how each one of us can become more involved with our local communities.
Australian citizenship ceremonies are an important part of our nation’s celebrations. The country’s newest citizens have joined a special group of Australians who celebrate the anniversary of their citizenship each Australia Day.
This year marks the 76th anniversary of Australian citizenship; on 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect creating the new status of Australian citizen and the first Australian citizenship ceremony was held on 3 February 1949 at Albert Hall in Canberra.
More than 6 million people have chosen to become citizens since the first citizenship ceremony at Albert Hall in 1949. The Lachlan Shire has welcomed people from all over the world. Lachlan Shire Council and the community wish our new citizens the very best in this new stage in their lives. Welcome to our community and into the wider community of Australian citizens.