The ceremony commenced with a welcome to country from Wiradjuri elder Bill Allen, where he explained the importance of the traditional Aboriginal welcome and the impact Australia has on its people. 

“It provides us with a lot of things we need to survive,” he said.

Mr Allen congratulated the new citizens on their achievement and welcomed them wholeheartedly to Australia.

This was the first year indigenous Australians have been included in the Australia Day ceremony, a point which was not lost on any of the speakers. 

Following Mr Allen’s welcoming address, mayor Gary Rush took to the stand to express his gratitude in officiating the moment foreigners became Australians. 

He congratulated the newest citizens on joining the “elite and fortunate people” of Australia, and acknowledged the presence of Bathurst’s ambassador, actor John Wood.

“John, to most of us, doesn’t require much of an introduction,” Mr Rush said.

“We are really pleased to have John in Bathurst as our Australia Day ambassador.”

Mr Wood also addressed the large crowd.

During his speech he detailed the visits he had made to Bathurst over the years and spoke of the importance of Australia Day, even through its controversy as being referred to as “invasion day” by some people.

“I celebrate it with a great sense of pride and I hope we continue to celebrate our great nation in some way,” Mr Wood said. 

The citizens were then acknowledged by Cr Rush with the affirmation speech before being presented with their citizenship documents and a small tree.

“We congratulate you on choosing Australia as your home,” Cr Rush said. 

Atmaram Rana and his wife Bhagawati were among the people recognised in the ceremony.

They met and married in Nepal and chose to move to Australia six years ago so Mr Rana could further his medical career.