The City of Canterbury-Bankstown will welcome more than 2,400 new citizens during Australia’s largest citizenship ceremony on Friday 13 May. 

The historic ceremony will see citizens from more than 80 countries taking the pledge at the Dunc Gray Velodrome in Bass Hill.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said he was looking forward to welcoming our newest citizens and the unique contributions they will make to the community. 

"I’m incredibly proud to be hosting this record-breaking citizenship ceremony to see 2,400 new citizens, from across the globe, take the pledge and declare that Australia is now their home," Mayor Asfour said.

"Becoming an Australian citizen is a privilege. It is life-changing, and the freedoms and quality of life must never be taken lightly.” 
 

Dr Ahmed Owais Ahmed and his family are overjoyed to be participating in the ceremony. 

Dr Ahmed arrived in Australia with his wife Nourhan Khalil and their two eldest children in 2016 – and consider themselves “proud Aussies.” Since their arrival, they’ve welcomed a third child. 
 

Dr Ahmed originally travelled to Sydney on a postgraduate student visa to complete a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry, specialising in materials chemistry and surface science. 

He is now a staff scientist and researcher. He migrated to Australia to complete his studies, advance his research knowledge and secure a better future for his young family.
 

Dr Ahmed is thrilled to become a citizen and believes most Australians really don’t know how lucky they are.

“Not only do Australians enjoy religious freedoms, but they don’t live in fear of conflict with neighbouring countries,” Dr Ahmed said. 

“I’ve witnessed conflicts and wars in the middle east. Australians don’t know what it’s like to live in a war zone. Living a peaceful life with neighbouring countries is something to be very thankful for,” Dr Ahmed said.

“My two eldest children came to Australia when they were very young so they don’t have many memories of Egypt and they see themselves as Aussies. I really appreciate the education here which is more about building the human rather than pushing them to memorise more information.”

Dr Ahmed expects that becoming an Australian citizen will be a powerful feeling.

“It’s not just a certificate, it is much deeper than that. Being a citizen increases our place in this country, a place we would love to stay forever. It’s a very strong feeling. 

It feels like our roots are being planted more deeply into the country. It gives you a feeling of peace and loyalty.” 

Mayor Asfour said the city represents more than 140 different languages and he is very proud that 2,400 new Australian citizens will be calling Canterbury Bankstown their “forever home.” 

“I’d like to wish our new citizens a very warm welcome and every success for the future.”