26 people of all ages and backgrounds received their Australian citizenship during a ceremony held at West Gippsland Arts Centre yesterday evening.
The ceremony conferred citizenship on Baw Baw's newest Australians hailing from as far and wide as Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Macedonia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine and United Kingdom.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Michael Leaney officiated the ceremony alongside Member for Monash, Mr Russell Broadbent MP, providing recipients the opportunity to take their citizenship pledge and receive their official certificate of Australian Citizenship amongst their family and peers.
"We are so lucky to be a part this special occasion for so many families" says Deputy Mayor, Michael Leaney. "It is honestly one of the most enjoyable things I get to do as a Councillor. It is always so enlightening to hear the experiences from the conferees, some of whom are just beginning their journey in Australia. On behalf of Council, I'd like to congratulate them all and wish them the very best in their future endeavours here in Baw Baw."
Baw Baw Shire Mayor, Annemarie McCabe echoed Cr Leaney's sentiments, welcoming our newest citizens and looking forward to their contributions to Baw Baw Shire's community.
"We are just delighted to welcome our newest citizens," says Mayor McCabe. "It is such a pleasure to see our beautiful Shire continue to grow and benefit from the culturally diverse contributions our conferees will bring to our evolving community."
Image: Baw Baw Shire's newest Australian citizens!
Image: Member for Monash, Mr Russell Broadbent MP addressing the group.
Image: Mr Russell Broadbent MP and Deputy Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Michael Leaney with new Australian citizen, Yulia Borysova.
Image: New Australian citizen Jai Singh and family.
Image: Mr Russell Broadbent MP and Deputy Mayor, Michael Leaney with new Australian citizen, Andrew Nickson.
Image: Deputy Mayor, Michael Leaney congratulating the Ruban family on their citizenship.
Image: Mr Russell Broadbent MP and Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney with new Australian citizens, Gary & Tineque Law.
Image: Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney congratulating new Australian citizen, Nutphatsorn Phakhot.
Image: Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney congratulating new Australian citizen, Karen Purdy.
Image: Deputy Mayor, Michael Leaney congratulating the Manchev family on their citizenship.
Image: Deputy Mayor, Michael Leaney with new Australian citizen, Garbi Irorere.
