Community & Business
19 December, 2025
Welcome to the shire
NEARLY 80 people from 22 countries have been sworn in as Australian citizens in the Mareeba Shire this year.
The shire welcomed 79 new citizens in 2025, up from 68 citizens last year.
New Zealand was the most popular country of origin, making up nearly 20% of the conferees, followed by South Africa (9%) and the Philippines (9%).
“Mareeba Shire is a diverse community, with over 75 different cultures represented across our population,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
The numbers for this year’s citizenship received a late boost with 28 people attending the most recent ceremony.
“Council proudly hosts the citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs,” Mayor Toppin said.
“It is a special occasion that marks the end of the journey as a migrant and the start of a new life as an Australian citizen.”
The latest ceremony also attracted some 70 supporters of those taking part.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt said she was “delighted” so many people had chosen the “Shire of Diversity” as their home.
“Today we welcome 28 new Australian citizens from Britain, Canada, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan and Thailand,” she said.
“This diversity is one of our greatest assets and strengths, it is what makes our community great, strong and progressive.”
The next Australian Citizenship Ceremony will be held on Australia Day, 26 January, which will be followed by the Australia Day Awards ceremony at Cedric Davies Hub, Mareeba.
