Lake Macquarie Welcomes 97 New Citizens in Heartfelt Ceremony Led by Mayor Adam Shultz

Allmost 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds were warmly welcomed as new Australian citizens at a special ceremony held at Rathmines Theatre on Friday morning. The event, hosted by Lake Macquarie’s youngest-ever Mayor, Adam Shultz, marked one of the region’s most culturally inclusive citizenship ceremonies to date.

Among the 97 new citizens, ages ranged from as young as five to 88, with participants hailing from 33 countries worldwide. Reflecting on the emotional significance of the occasion, Mayor Shultz highlighted the importance of multicultural contributions to Lake Macquarie.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people proud to join our Australian community,” said Mayor Shultz. “Today celebrates not only their new citizenship but also the diversity and richness they bring to our region with their unique cultural heritage.”

The Mayor expressed a particular joy in meeting entire families taking the citizenship pledge together. “As a dad myself, I know Lake Macquarie is a fantastic place to raise a family,” he added. “It’s heartening to see families from around the globe choosing to call this place home.”

One of the families participating in the ceremony was the Shobowales, who migrated from Nigeria four years ago. Samson and Oluwatosin Shobowale, along with their children Erioluwa, 5, and Inioluwa, 8, officially became Australians, while their youngest, Ewaoluwa, 18 months, was born here.

Ms Shobowale shared her excitement, saying, “Becoming an Australian citizen is a dream come true for our family. We love everything about this country.”

The ceremony, held in the historic Rathmines Theatre, symbolised the strength of Lake Macquarie’s growing multicultural community and the council’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging for all.