Australia Day 2018: Acting Lord Mayor welcomes 108 new Australians at citizenship ceremony

MELBOURNE has welcomed more than 100 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at Town Hall, as Melburnians line the streets of Swanston St for a parade celebrating national pride.

MORE than 100 new citizens from 36 countries became Australian citizens this morning as Australia Day celebrations in Melbourne got underway.

Acting Lord Mayor Aaron Wood congratulated the 108 new Aussies at Melbourne’s Town Hall.

“Melbourne is a proud multicultural community. For generations, migrants have played an important role shaping Melbourne and helping us to be the world’s most liveable city,” he said.

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Jamie Wonguthai, who migrated from Thailand 31 years ago, is celebrating Australia Day at the Swanston St parade. Picture: Jay Town.

People line the streets for Australia Day Parade on Swanston St. Picture: Jay Town

“Today, 108 new citizens ranging in age from three to 61-years-old made a public declaration of their commitment to Australia and we look forward to the positive influence they will have on Melbourne’s future.”

New Australian citizen Stephanie Sin said she was honoured to be named among the nation’s newest members.

“I came to Australia to get an opportunity at a better life and I’m so thankful to now count myself as an Australian,” she said.

Military march and salute. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/G2QBlcB4ZU

— Ryan Tennison (@ryan_tennison) January 25, 2018

The Governor of Victoria the Hon. Linda Dessau AC inspecting the military guard. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/P7zySj8nZt

— Ryan Tennison (@ryan_tennison) January 26, 2018

An eye-catching participant in the Australia Day parade on Swanston St. Picture: Jay Town

Jason and Tai Hsu with their 18-month-old son Jasper. Picture: Jay Town

The former French national said she was proud to sing the national anthem as a citizen for the first time.

“It was so amazing,” she said.

“It’s a moment I won’t forget.”

John Arun, with wife Nina and daughter Maya, said lifestyle was the main reason for their pledge.

“We have been living here for five years now and Australia is definitely where we want to call home,” he said.

“Australia has such strong family values and it’s a real privilege to have had my daughter born here”.

All eyes on the sky as the Air Force Roulettes put on a show for Australia Day #melbourne #AustraliaDay2018 @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/faUibr6HCV

— Rebekah Cavanagh (@rebekahcavanagh) January 26, 2018

Colourful Shane Bell has been stopped for selfies 'hundreds' of times as he gets into the spirit of Australia Day in Melbourne #AustraliaDay2018 @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/7jiMI8SkE8

— Rebekah Cavanagh (@rebekahcavanagh) January 26, 2018

Parade festivities are galloping through the streets of Melbourne with thousands lining up to show their national pride. More: @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/kjJ7T8NB2z

— Ryan Tennison (@ryan_tennison) January 25, 2018

My favourite art of the job: citizenship ceremony! Congratulations to our 108 newest Australians from 36 nations! And an honour to have @AlanTudgeMP officiating at his first ceremony as Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. @ArronWood pic.twitter.com/kz2IvEtD4o

— Ben Rimmer (@BenRimmer2010) January 25, 2018

Premier Daniel Andrews thanked members of the defence force for their efforts in protecting Australia at home and internationally.

Mr Andrews said Australia Day allowed Victorians to reflect on their daily lives.

“Today we come together to celebrate all of the things that make us who we are,” he said.

“On a week after we have put our arms around those who suffered from Bourke St, we are proud to come together today.”

Mr Andrews said the national day was a chance to recognise “the qualities that make Australia special”.

Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy offered a traditional welcome to the Australia Day Ceremony held on the steps of Melbourne’s Town Hall.

The indigenous leader spoke of the culture and history of the Aboriginal people.

Federal Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge, who presided over the ceremony, said joining more the more than five million people who have become Australian citizens since 1948 is “a great honour”.

“This is a day where we reflect on what it means to be Australian,” he said.

Across Victoria today, more than 2900 people from 84 nations will be sworn in through 67 ceremonies.

The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir serenaded the crowd with a willing rendition of I Am Australian to kick off proceedings.

Since 2006, more than 6,600 people have become Australian citizens.

Last year 970 people took the pledge in Melbourne.