The Huon Valley community welcomed its newest Australian citizens at an official ceremony in the Glen Huon Community Hall today.

Cygnet resident Patricia Avendano Padilla, from Colombia, said it was a privilege to become an Australian citizen and be welcomed by so many people.

“I’ve had a really positive experience in Australia. It’s a nation full of great opportunities and I am really, really, grateful for being here.”

Patricia Avendano, a yoga and pilates instructor, has been living in the Huon Valley full time since June. “I love the valley,” she said. “The scenery is beautiful, it’s a nice quiet place with enough things to do and the people are very friendly.”

Taking place on Australian Citizenship Day 2021, the ceremony saw family and friends, Mayor Bec Enders, Huon Valley Councillors, Senator Eric Abetz, Senator Catryna Bilyk, Hon Julie Collins MP, Hon Nic Street MP, David O’Byrne MP, Dean Winter MP, Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP and Bastian Seidel MLC welcome the seven new Australian citizens.

The conferees originated from countries around the world including Colombia, Britain, India and China.

Almost half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was. The Huon Valley region has a long history of welcoming people from all over the world. By choosing to call the Huon Valley home, our newest citizens make a huge contribution in making our community the vibrant, healthy, resilient, and culturally rich place for which we are known.

The citizens were presented with a 2021 Australian Citizenship coin and small gift.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day.

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www.citizenship.gov.au