For the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, MidCoast Council will hold its first citizenship ceremony as part of Australian Citizenship Day 2020.

The conferees from 12 countries including England, Ireland, Brazil, Thailand, Philippines, Denmark and Germany, will become Australian citizens as part of a ceremony at 10.30am at Club Taree.l

MidCoast Council mayor, David West said the ceremony was an opportunity for all Australians, whether they were citizens by birth or by choice, to come together to acknowledge what's great about being Australian.

"Each year on Australian Citizenship Day we reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the shared values that unite us," Cr West said.

"There is no greater privilege than our citizenship.

"It's a life-long commitment to Australia's values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect."

Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

COVID-19 guidelines on hotspot restrictions, gathering sizes and social distancing will result in fewer citizenship ceremonies than usual on Citizenship Day in 2020.

Even so, more than 2500 people will receive citizenship at more than 100 online or in-person ceremonies across the country today.

"Each year we are privileged to welcome new Australians to our growing community as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations," Cr West said.

"I encourage everyone in the MidCoast region to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome our newest citizens."

For more information visit the Australian Government immigration and citizenship page.

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