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East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day

East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.

By news@gippsland - 18th September 2026 - Back to News

We welcomed 27 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at Lucknow Football Netball Club on 17 September - on Australian Citizenship Day. East Gippsland Shire Council welcomed 27 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at Lucknow Football Netball Club in Lucknow on Thursday 17 September, in celebration of Australian Citizenship Day.

East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at Lucknow Football Netball Club on 17 September - on Australian Citizenship Day

New citizens welcomed

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. "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.

New Australians celebrated

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.

Cr Ashworth said, "I'm proud to be Australian. 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," she said

Congratulations to the new citizens

The ceremony was one of a number held across the nation on Australian Citizenship Day, which is marked each year on 17 September. "Each of our newest citizens brings their own experiences, traditions and stories. 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," Cr Ashworth said.

We warmly congratulate our newest citizens and wish them all the very best as they begin this next chapter in their lives. For more information about becoming an Australian citizen, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
  The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
  Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Darren Chester says growers and industry groups are concerned Labor's visa processing pause is creating uncertainty for farmers
  Australian farmers warn delayed visa processing for seasonal and skilled workers could worsen labour shortages, disrupt harvests, reduce food production and push fresh produce prices higher for Australian families.