Eight Filipinos among the 50 new Australians in Parramatta, as the city celebrates Australia Day

While the whole country is celebrating Australia Day, the highlight of today's celebrations in the city of Parramatta is welcoming the 50 new Australian citizens and recognising some the works and services of some of the city's citizens.

Australia Day in Parramatta (SBS Filipino/A.Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

The said 50 new Australians took oath and pledged their allegiance to the country they all now call home. Eight from these are from the Philippines and the others were from Canada, China, Ghana, Great Britain, India, Iran, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Syria Arab Republic, Thailand, United States.

While some of the city's citizens were awarded for their contributions to the city and making a difference in the community. Dr Philip Lee is this year's City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year.

The Awards and Citizenship ceremony was led by the Administrator of the City of Parramatta, as graced by Australia Day Ambassador of Parramatta Kumud Merani, Federal Member for Parramatta Julie Owens MP who read the message from the Minister of Immigration and Border Protection; Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee; Bruce Gale, ATSI Advisory Committee; 2016 Citizen of the Year Julie Hughes and other members of the Australia Day Awards Judging Panel.