Newcastle’s Big Welcome: 170 New Aussies Kick Off 2025 in Style

A scientist with a passion for the environment was among 170 new citizens who pledged their commitment at City of Newcastle’s first citizenship ceremony of 2025.

Originally from Germany, Dr Laura Stapp spent nearly a decade navigating multiple visas after moving to Australia in 2016. A recent change to citizenship laws has enabled her to hold both German and Australian nationality.

Dr Stapp is thrilled about the opportunities and belonging that come with her new status.

“It’s the end of a long journey; it’s just nice to finally arrive. It’s a big relief for me, and I’m looking forward to being able to vote—it’s something I find important,” she said.

“Newcastle has a lot to offer. The proximity to beautiful places for camping and the welcoming community make it a fantastic place to live.”

After almost 10 years in Australia, Dr Stapp can now share the same nationality as the rest of her family. She first arrived in 2015 to undertake a PhD in marine science at Port Stephens, where she met her future husband, Kyle, at the local fisheries.

The couple live in Maryville with their two sons, both of whom have been dual citizens since birth. Dr Stapp works for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, and is dedicated to contributing to her local community while staying true to her German heritage. Part of that commitment involves volunteering at the Little German School in Kotara, where she helps her sons learn the German language and culture.

Presiding over his first citizenship ceremony, Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge congratulated the new citizens and commented on the city’s rich diversity.

“It’s wonderful to welcome such a broad range of people and celebrate every one of their unique journeys,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I was delighted to introduce Aunty Cheryl to our proceedings for the first time, a proud Awabakal woman who warmly greeted all our new citizens. We also heard from Dr Mary Amponsah, a valued community member originally from Ghana, who became a citizen in September.”

Newcastle is a vibrant multicultural hub, with 15 per cent of its population born overseas and more than 80 languages spoken throughout the community. The newest citizens come from countries including Cambodia, Egypt, France, Latvia, Pakistan, Syria and Uruguay.

The ceremony featured a Welcome to Country by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group, and musical performances by The Grainery Church, who sang the national anthem and “I Am Australian.”