Murrindindi Shire Council recently hosted a ceremony to welcome in 26 new local Australian citizens.
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During Refugee Week, Murrindindi Shire Council hosted an official citizenship ceremony, marking an important milestone for 26 community members.
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On Thursday, June 18, the community members pledged their loyalty to Australia at Alexandra Shire Hall.
Mayor Damien Gallagher officiated the ceremony, which was attended by deputy mayor Anita Carr, Cr Paul Hildebrand, Cr Sandice McAulay and chief executive Livia Bonazzi.
During the proceedings, Ian Newman and Joy Burchell from Fawcett, Jonathon Tofts from Terip Terip, Shivaun Murphy and Graham Halliburton from Yarck and Rotary Club of Yea president Daryl King were recognised for their volunteer contributions supporting community-led recovery hubs.
Holding the ceremony during Refugee Week provided an opportunity to reflect on the courage and resilience of refugees.
It also underlined the important contributions people from diverse backgrounds make to local communities.
Cr Gallagher said the ceremony highlighted the strength and diversity of the Murrindindi community.
“Having taken your own unique journey to be here, I am in awe of the commitment you make today,” he said.
“I acknowledge the thousands of generations of Taungurung people as the earliest custodians of the land we stand upon today and respectfully acknowledge Elders past and present.
“The memories, stories and traditions that each of you bring as new Australians enrich our community and complement the longest continuous civilisation on Earth.”
Chief executive Livia Bonazzi, Graham Halliburton, Jonathon Tofts, Donna Slevin, Joy Burchell, Mayor Damien Gallagher, Cr Anita Carr, Cr Sandice McAulay, Ian Newman and Cr Paul Hildebrand celebrated the new citizens.
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Australian citizenship ceremonies are among the final steps in becoming an Australian citizen and are an important occasion for both new citizens and the wider community.
Following the ceremony, Gayathri, Rithika, Sachin, Christine, Peter, Sam, Shrawan, Haolie, Matthew, Punyisa, Hannah, Klaus, Lalita, Steven, Hien, Kerry, Arun, Cory, Sadhana, Jill, Mohinder, Jayant, Viyan, Faith, Niroshan and Jeremy were celebrated as the shire’s newest Australian citizens.
“This ceremony coincides with Refugee Week and provides a moment to reflect on the experiences of people who have been forced to flee persecution, conflict or violence and have found safety and a new beginning in Australia,” Cr Gallagher said.
“Refugees make enduring contributions to our communities, enriching the social, cultural and economic fabric of Australian life.”
To learn more about becoming an Australian citizen, visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or call the citizenship information line on 131 880 during business hours.
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