The new citizens came from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Kenya, Thailand, South Africa, China and the United States.

One of the new citizens, Kishor Kanji Kerai came from Mombassa, Kenya, and has been in Australia for seven years.

He first visited Australia to study accounting in Sydney and is now a proud business owner in the Cessnock area.

Kishor first heard of our beaches, surfing and culturally diverse community and said he was joyous to now be an Australian citizen.

“It’s a very beautiful country and I like how there are many different cultures here in one community”, Kishor said.

Unfortunately Kishor’s family could not attend the ceremony but they sent their support from abroad.

“My parents are very proud of me today, they could not be here as they’re back in Kenya, but I just sent them photos from the ceremony,” he said.

Each new citizen was presented with a certificate, a native Australian plant and a commemorative gold coin.

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent oversaw official proceedings, with general manager Stephen Glen as the master of ceremonies.

“I take a lot of pride in welcoming our newest citizens here in the Cessnock local area government, and like to keep tradition alive by having our town crier Stephen Clarke usher in the ceremony,” Cr Pynsent said.