Australia Day 2010 Citizenship Ceremony

Main content

Citizenship ceremonies are an important part of Australia Day celebrations.

On Australia Day 2010, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, presided over a ceremony in Canberra where 77 candidates from 23 countries became citizens. A 'Welcome to Country' by Ngunnawal community leader Agnes O'Shea OAM, affectionately known as Aunty Agnes, preceded the citizenship ceremony, which concluded with an Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony led by the Governor-General Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC.

Aunty Agnes addresses conferees

Aunty Agnes addresses guests with a welcome to country speech before the ceremony.

The Governer-General Quentin Bryce

The Governor-General Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC leads the Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony.

Joan Plaistow

The Prime Minister welcomes the eldest conferee for the day, Joan Plaistow, as an Australian citizen.

Ms Hiua Joo Kee

A beaming Ms Hiua Joo Kee receives her citizenship certificate from the Prime Minister.

Mohammed Elmejhad

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (middle), joined by departmental secretary Andrew Metcalfe (right) congratulates Mohammed Elmejhad on becoming an Australian citizen.

Arvind Ramaswami

New citizen Arvind Ramaswami (left) gets an autograph from chair of the National Australia Day Council and former Test cricketer, Adam Gilchrist.

Dr Greensmith and Family

New citizens Dr Greensmith (fourth left) with wife Victoria (second left) and two children Claudia and Andres pictured with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (third left) and the secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Andrew Metcalfe (right).

Lance Nash

Lance Nash, originally from the USA, now joins his wife as an Australian citizen.

Shefali Joshi

Shefali Joshi (right), pictured with her family, just after becoming an Australian citizen.