Sahlee Cook, a Filipino who was one of 150 new citizens from 39 countries to be awarded Australian citizenship yesterday, is "honoured to be part of this great nation and to live in Newcastle".
Newcastle council held its first face-to-face ceremony at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday after they were held online for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
People hailing from the United Kingdom, USA, India, Afghanistan and beyond were among those to make the pledge to Australia.
Ms Cook, who relocated to Australia after marrying her partner Adam, said she loved living in her husband's hometown of Newcastle.
"Aside from the beautiful beaches, lots of cafes to choose from and different variety of restaurants, what I like most is the people," she said.
"The people here in Newcastle are nice, helpful, and pretty laidback. I am grateful and beyond happy to finally be an Australian citizen."
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who presided over the ceremony, said she looked forward to warmly welcoming Australia's newest citizens in-person once again.
"City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Department of Home Affairs to safely resume face-to-face ceremonies to allow conferees to come together and celebrate one of the most special days in their lives," Cr Nelmes said.
"As Novocastrians, we are proud to be part of such a culturally diverse, inclusive community and we welcome people of all backgrounds."
City of Newcastle's next citizenship ceremony is planned for Wednesday, September 1.
