Council facilitated the COVID-safe ceremony on September 17, which saw residents from 18 countries officiated as Australians.

Citizens were welcomed from Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Finland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

Council gifted each new citizen a native plant to mark the special occasion, which they collected following the ceremony.

General manager Lotta Jackson was pleased council was able to proceed with the ceremony despite COVID-19 challenges.

"It's great that we were able to forge ahead and celebrate with our new citizens on the 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day," she said.

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent - who presided over the ceremony - said it was wonderful to see so many people wanting to call Cessnock, Australia home.

"It was fascinating to hear all the different stories from our new citizens and find out what inspired them to become Australians," he said.

"Congratulations and thank you once again for choosing to call the Cessnock region home."

Cessnock City Council hosts three citizenship ceremonies each year. Find out more at cessnock.nsw.gov.au/citizenship.