One of the best parts of being an MP is getting the chance to meet new members of the Australian family as they take their oaths to become citizens.

Recently, we welcomed 58 new citizens to Lake Macquarie.

"I had the pleasure of joining in the celebrations at Rathmines, with people originating from the Solomon Islands, UK, NZ, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, US, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Italy, Russian Federation, Tibet, Kenya, Netherlands, Ireland, Zimbabwe and the Republic of Congo," Ms Harrison said.

"I met Lhundup Wangyal from Tibet, who marked his citizenship ceremony with his family; Fakiha Faruque and Arafat Bhuiyan, originally from Bangladesh; and Abiral Rai, Beer Rai and Ashmita Rai from Nepal."

It was a beautiful morning to mark a memorable occasion for our new citizens, their families and their communities.

"Every new citizen enriches our wonderful, multicultural country, and I am always so proud to join them," Ms Harrison said. 

Pictured are (from left) Fakiha Faruque and Arafat Bhuiyan, originally from Bangladesh, who joined with Jodie Harrison MP to mark their citizenship.