The Hills Shire has welcomed 44 new Australian citizens, celebrating their decision to make Australia their home during a special Australian Citizenship Day ceremony held at The Hills Shire Council Chambers on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Representing 14 different countries, the newest citizens formally pledged their commitment to Australia during the ceremony, marking an important milestone in their individual journeys and adding another chapter to the multicultural story of The Hills community.
The ceremony brought together new citizens, families, community representatives and council officials to recognise the significance of Australian citizenship and the sense of belonging that comes with becoming part of the Australian community.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said Australian Citizenship Day provided an opportunity to reflect on both the privileges and responsibilities associated with citizenship, while celebrating those who had chosen to build their lives in Australia.
The Hills is home to a particularly diverse population, with around 42 per cent of residents born overseas. People living across the Shire come from more than 116 countries and speak over 80 languages, reflecting the range of cultural backgrounds represented throughout the local community.
Mayor Byrne welcomed the new citizens and said their experiences, aspirations and contributions would continue to shape the community. She also highlighted the different journeys that had brought each person to Australian citizenship, describing their stories as an important part of the area’s identity.
Among those becoming an Australian citizen was Benny Chun, originally from New Zealand, who said citizenship represented a deeper connection with the community in which he lives.
For Chun, the milestone was not simply about obtaining Australian citizenship but about feeling more connected to the people and community around him. He said citizenship would allow him to participate more fully in community life, including having the opportunity to vote, make his voice heard and contribute to the country’s future.
Chun also spoke about what attracted him to living in The Hills, particularly its combination of natural surroundings and access to modern amenities. He described the area as peaceful and close to nature while offering the services residents need, alongside friendly people and a strong community atmosphere.
Anees Basra, originally from India, also became an Australian citizen, describing the occasion as a significant moment for his entire family.
Basra said the decision to settle in Australia was made collectively by his family, particularly as they considered where they wanted to establish their future and support their daughters through their higher school education.
The family moved to Australia three years ago, and Basra said their experience since arriving had strengthened their decision to make the country their home. He pointed to Australia’s sense of community, freedom and the willingness of people to support one another as qualities that had stood out during their time in the country.
For Basra, some of those qualities were among the reasons his family initially considered Australia, while others became more apparent after they had begun building their life in the country.
The stories of Chun and Basra reflect the different circumstances and motivations behind Australia’s citizenship journeys. While each new citizen arrives with their own background and experiences, the ceremony brought them together around a shared commitment to the country and the communities in which they now live.
Australian Citizenship Day provides an annual opportunity to recognise this transition and to highlight the contribution of migrants and new citizens to Australia’s social and cultural fabric. For local councils such as The Hills Shire, citizenship ceremonies also provide an opportunity to welcome new residents into the civic life of their community.
The latest ceremony further reflects the multicultural character of The Hills Shire, where residents from more than a hundred countries contribute to a community shaped by different languages, cultures and experiences.
For the 44 people who took their citizenship pledge, the ceremony marked the formal beginning of a new chapter as Australian citizens. For their families and the wider community, it was an occasion to celebrate belonging, participation and the diverse journeys that continue to shape The Hills.
