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The Hills Shire Council arranged a fantastic Australia day Festival at Bella Vista farm
(Sada-e-Watan Sydney Exclusive Report)

On Thursday, 26th January 2017, The Hills Shire Council held a memorable day out for the whole family at Bella Vista Farm. Thousands of people came together to celebrate Australia Day at Bella Vista Farm. Arrangements included live performances by Aussie artists, rides, free kid’s activities, delicious street food, roving performers and fireworks at night. At 11.00am, an official welcome ceremony for New Australian citizens was held.

Deputy Mayor & MC of the Event Clr Robyn Preston

The Hills Shire Council deputy Mayor Clr Robyn Preston was MC of the event. The function commenced with a Flag hosting and the Nation Anthem of Australia.

Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration Honourable Alex Hawke

Federal Member for Mitchell, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Honourable Alex Hawke was the Chief Guest of the special citizenship ceremony during the celebrations. The Hills Council Mayor, Yvonne Keane and Hon. Alex Hawke congratulated the Hills residents who transitioned into Australian citizens. A total of 29 residents received Citizenship Certificates who had originally come from India, Iran, China, Philippines, Hong Kong, Kenya, United Kingdom, Vietnam, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Hon. Alex Hawke read out an exclusive message of the Federal Minister of Immigration Honourable Peter Dutton MP and during the speech, Hon. Alex Hawke said "It is a huge honour to become a citizen of the Great country Australia, but as a citizen you also have responsibilities and we expect from all people who chose Australia as their permanent land to follow the rules & respect Australian Values. To become part of this Australian community and society through behaving as a responsible person”.

Hon. Alex Hawke said that in Australia everyone has equal rights and we appreciate the positive role of migrants for the development of this country. He congratulated Mayor Yvonne Keane & her team for arranging a wonderful day out with activities for the whole family.

Mayor of the Hills Council Yvonne Keane

The Hills Council Mayor Yvonne Keane announced Catherine Saxelby name as an appointed 2017 Australia Day Ambassador for the Hills Shire Council. Catherine Saxelby is an Accredited Nutritionist, best-selling author and speaker. Her career has spanned 25 years in clinical dietetics, food industry, teaching and writing. She is the daughter of Polish migrants who arrived in their “new home” in 1952 leaving behind war-torn Europe and outbreak of the Korean War.

Catherine Saxelby

Catherine Saxelby has seen more of the Australian landscape than her husband of seven generations of Australians. She spoke about Australia and Australia Day. Catherine Saxelby said we all Love Australia and are all people of different background united under the flag of Australia.

During the Welcome speech for New Citizens, the Hills Council Mayor Yvonne Keane said:

“We hold a number of these ceremonies throughout the year, but it is today’s ceremony that perhaps best highlights what choosing to become an Australian citizen is all about – a desire to be part of this wonderful country, its people and values and feeling good about being an Australian,” Cr Keane said.