Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
East Gippsland welcomes newest citizens for November 2021
St Mary's Parish Centre in Bairnsdale was beaming with smiles today as 11 East Gippslanders officially became Australian citizens.
The participants from Belgium, England, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland and Scotland, formally pledged their commitment to Australia at the citizenship ceremony.
]After a long awaited moment, Yvonne van Zon was finally presented with her official certificate and gift from Tim Bull, Member for Gippsland East and Mayor, Mark Reeves
Welcoming people from all walks of life
Cr Mark Reeves said conducting citizenship ceremonies was one of the greatest pleasures and is undertaken with a huge amount of pride. "It's always a pleasure to welcome new citizens and today is very special because this has been a long time coming for most of the participants," Cr Reeves said.
"Welcoming people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe to East Gippsland enriches our community and makes us who we are today. We are proud of our diversity and of the welcoming nature of our region."
Honour to become an Australian citizen
One of the new citizens, Yvonne van Zon, said she came to Australia on a working holiday visa from the Netherlands in 2009. After landing a role with sponsorship, Yvonne met her now husband, moved to Buchan and later relocated to Bairnsdale.
"I have held every visa under the sun, and I have been waiting for this day for more than 10 years. It's a huge honour to become an Australian citizen, there is no better place to call home," Mrs van Zon said.
East Gippsland Shire has welcomed 79 new citizens in 2021 across five citizenship ceremonies. The next ceremony will be held on 26 January 2022 - Australia Day. To watch the ceremony, visit Council's YouTube channel 'EastGippyTV' .
Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024