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.

City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Dr Philip Lee (far left) (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: (SBS Filipino/A. Violata)

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.

Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony in Parramatta led by the City Administrator Amanda Chadwick (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

Federal Member Julie Owens MP giving her message after reading the message of the Minister of Immigration and Border Protection (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

Australia Day messages from City of Parramatta Administrator Amanda Chadwick and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee.

Photos from today's event:

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

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

Families enjoying Australia Day at the Parramatta Park (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

Some free fruits at the Australia Day celebration at Parramatta Park (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

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

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

People lining up for some Aussie foods at the Parramatta Park (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

One of the fire trucks from the Museum of Fire on display for Australia Day in Parramatta (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

Two Filipinos spotted on the vintage cars show at the Parramatta Park on Australia Day (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

Lunch after the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremonies at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

The new Aussies, the Faustino family (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

Lea Rose Bartolome from Philippines showing her Australian citizen certificate (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

New Aussies Ivy Sugano with her two daughters (SBS Filipino/A. Violata) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata

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