East Gippsland Shire Council welcomed 27 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at Lucknow Football Netball Club in Lucknow on Thursday, September 17, in celebration of Australian Citizenship Day.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth led the proceedings, officially welcoming new citizens
from 13 different countries.
Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to celebrate their citizenship and reflect on its meaning, privileges
and responsibilities.
This year marks the 77th anniversary of Australian citizenship.
The first citizenship ceremony took place in Canberra in 1949. Since then, more than six million people from over 200 nations have chosen to make Australia their home.
Cr Ashworth said the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise both the significance of citizenship and the experiences each new citizen brings to East Gippsland.
The ceremony was one of a number held across the nation on Australian Citizenship Day, which is marked each year on September 17.
“Each of our newest citizens brings their own experiences, traditions and stories,” Cr Ashworth said.
“They don’t leave those things behind when they become Australian. Our communities are richer because people can bring their heritage with them and share it with others.”
For more information about becoming an Australian citizen, visit the Australian Government Department
of Home Affairs website.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is an important milestone, and it was a privilege to share this occasion with our newest Australians, their families and friends,” Cr Ashworth said.
The new citizens came from 13 nations – Canada, Germany, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Connie Onyango, from Kenya, was one of the 27 new Australians to take her
citizenship pledge.
“I’m proud to be Australian,” she said.
“I’m a country girl – from a countryside area in Kenya – so I love it here in
East Gippsland.
“I love the water, the lakes and the culture. Everyone knows everyone here. I feel proud to join this country.”
