There was a mood of celebration in the air as 17 people became the region’s newest Australian citizens on Tuesday, April 4.
Family and friends were in attendance at Radcliffe’s Echuca for the citizenship ceremony conducted by Campaspe Shire.
Each of the new Australian citizens were officially presented certificates by Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates.
They all had their own story, having travelled from Bangladesh, Sudan, Great Britain, Mauritius, the Philippines and South Africa, before calling the Campaspe region home.
Among them were Dr Ali Maudarbocus, a registrar with Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice and Echuca Regional Health.
“As a doctor, I can make an immediate positive impact,” he said.
During the next 12 months, he will be undertaking duties as a rural generalist with additional training in obstetrics.
Sharmin and Sayad Maudarbocus flew in from Mauritius to see their son officially become an Australian citizen.
“The people in Echuca are very welcoming,” Mrs Maudarbocus said.
Dr Maudarbocus said the twin towns was a wonderful place to call home.
“On my days off, I enjoy relaxing with a book, studying for (my) medical examination and swimming at the council pool,” he said.
The Mateo family moved to Australia five years ago from the Philippines.
Glenn and Jules came to Australia with their eldest daughter, Andrea.
Five years later they had a second daughter, Isabella.
Glenn said the decision to come to Australia was an easy one.
“Life in Echuca compared to the Philippines is so much better, more opportunity, and a better work/life balance, especially for my two daughters,” he said.
Jules said it was a terrific move to Echuca for her family.
“Migrating to Australia was the best decision, we’ve always felt welcomed in the community and being Australian reinforces that feeling,” she said.
Uncle Rick Ronnan and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell were also in attendance at the ceremony, addressing the new citizens.
The night finished with a light meal of canapes and refreshments with music.
The newly minted Australians were visibly excited for the path they had chosen especially for the futures for their children.