Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
Bairnsdale hosted East Gippsland's latest citizenship ceremony welcoming over 30 new citizens
Ceremony to welcome 32 people from different countries as the new Australian citizens.
Bairnsdale played host to the region's latest citizenship ceremony on Tuesday, July 6 which saw 33 conferees initiated as Australian citizens at St Mary's Parish Centre. Candidates from India, South Africa, Britain, the Philippines, New Zealand, Poland, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Malaysia took part in the ceremony, pledging their support for Australia by reciting the Australian citizen affirmation and singing the national anthem as Australian citizens for the first time.
To be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you must have been an Australian permanent resident for at least 1 year and lived in Australia for at least 9 out of 12 months before you apply
Newest citizens
Cr Mendy Urie conducted the ceremony, which was live streamed on Council's YouTube channel. You can view it here. "It was a bumper ceremony with 33 people from 10 different countries being welcomed as Australian citizens," Cr Urie said.
"I always look forward to these events on our civic calendar and getting to meet East Gippsland's newest Australian citizens. Despite some COVID restrictions on numbers, it was also great that some family and friends were able to attend this special event.
Bond that helps in unity
Cr Urie also said, "Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us all. Australia respects the diverse cultural inheritance of its citizens, and we are honoured that you have chosen to become an Australian citizen today. We in East Gippsland are delighted that you have chosen to make your home in our shire - it is truly a great place to live."
Citizenship ceremonies are officiated by East Gippsland Shire Council on behalf of the Australian Government. All new citizens receive a native plant as a gift from Council to mark the special occasion. Visit the Australian citizenship gallery for more photos from the ceremony.
Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024