In celebrating the AFL's Multicultural Round, the Carlton Football Club hosted a Citizenship Ceremony at Visy Park on Wednesday night.
The ceremony was conducted by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and was the final step for 39 people from 14 different countries in becoming Australian citizens.
The ceremony was attended by the Trustees of the Carlton Football Community Fund, including club president Mark LoGiudice. The fund facilitates a range of programs in partnership with the Club to further develop community outcomes and assist people from disadvantaged, newly arrived and refugee backgrounds.
Acting State Director Rosemary Wilmost welcomed the new citizens who all affirmed their loyalty and commitment to Australia, expressing their support for the values and principles that underpin their citizenship.
The ceremony also heard from Carlton's General Manager of Consumer Business and Fan Development Clinton Bown, who emphasised the Club's commitment in assisting refugee and multicultural communities integrate into Australia.
President Mark LoGiudice and General Manager of Consumer Business and Fan Development Clinton Bown with members of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. (Photo: Supplied)
"The Carlton Football Club has long been a place where migrant communities come together,” Bown said.
“The Club particularly has deep roots in the Italian, Greek, Lebanese and Jewish communities.
"Present day we have strong ties with local schools, including Carlton Primary, where children from the Horn of Africa look to both Carlton players and administration staff as role models through a formal mentoring program."
On behalf of the Carlton Football Club we congratulate everyone on receiving their Australian Citizenship and welcome them into the Carlton community.
