Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland): On the 17th of June I had the pleasure of attending Maitland City Council's Australian Citizenship Ceremony which saw 22 permanent residents become Australian Citizens.

The ceremony marks a special chapter in each and every new citizen's migration story and their ongoing commitment to Australia and our shared values. I would like to extend a warm welcome to this latest cohort of new Australian Citizens, who have joined us from 16 countries including Afghanistan, Britain, Bangladesh, China, Iran, India, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand, United States of America and Zimbabwe. Their presence and contribution to the Maitland community has been positively felt and goes a long way to further enriching the diversity and multiculturalism of Maitland.

It's wonderful to have these people and their families in the Maitland community as proud Australian Citizens, continuing to contribute to the economic and social development of our community. Congratulations!