Seven* Gunnedah Shire residents now officially call Australia home.
Alvaro Augusto Diaz Guerra, Dibanhi Guadalupe Marsh, Juliet Matias Woodward, Karun and Kody Pun, and Ashleigh Foster recently participated in citizenship ceremonies and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM said she was delighted they had chosen both Australia and Gunnedah as their homes.
"Citizenship ceremonies are a very special part of my role at Gunnedah Shire Council, and it is a privilege to see so many people pledging their commitment to our nation," Mayor Fuller said.
"It's wonderful to see our Shire growing and diversifying each year, and to celebrate a shared future."
Member for Parkes and former Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was "an absolute honour" to be part of a citizenship ceremony last Thursday.
"It was inspiring to hear about their personal journeys and to see so many of the community come to help them celebrate the final step in their path to Australian citizenship," he said.
"It is a true privilege to be part of such a milestone in their life journey."
Alvaro moved to Australia from Colombia more than 7 years ago to complete his master's degree in mining. He came to Gunnedah four years ago, working as an intern with Whitehaven Coal, which developed into an ongoing employment opportunity. Alvaro's partner Laury Suarez joined him in Gunnedah more than two years ago and they have made wonderful friends during their time here.
Dibanhi's country of birth is Mexico, and she moved to Australia permanently in July 2020, meeting her now-husband Richard while she was studying English. Richard lived in Gunnedah and Dibanhi made the move six years ago to join him. Dibanhi enjoys sharing her heritage with the wider community and has participated in local multicultural events. She loves volunteering to read Spanish books to children and visiting childcare centres to share her culture.
Juliet is from the Philippines and moved to Australia for more opportunities. She settled in Gunnedah in 2014 and shares her home with her husband Tony and their three children. Her eldest son CJ became an Australian citizen on Australia Day this year. Juliet says she likes Gunnedah because the community is very nice and helpful.
Karun's country of birth is Nepal and he moved to Australia in 2018 to study a Masters in Tourism and Hotel Management. He trained as a chef in Sydney and moved to Gunnedah for employment in 2021. Karun feels lucky that he chose Gunnedah because Gunnedah is a great small town with everything he needs. Karun lives with his wife and their six-year-old son Kody who also became an Australian citizen. Kody loves to swim, ride his bike and have fun with his friends.
Ashleigh Foster travelled to Australia from the United Kingdom when she was 19-years-old as part of her university degree and fell in love with the nation. After returning to the UK, Ashleigh completed her degree and began her career, but decided to return in 2003 to travel and work for a year. This became a permanent move and she relocated to Gunnedah 10 years ago after meeting her partner Leigh. They have two children and in April this year, Ashleigh celebrated a decade at the Gunnedah TAFE Campus.
*Please note, only six citizens are listed by name as one citizen did not give permission for their name or photograph to be released.
Captions:
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, Sarah Mitchell MLC, Alvaro Augusto Diaz Guerra, Dibanhi Guadalupe Marsh, Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath, Juliet Matias Woodward, Kody and Karun Pun, and Gunnedah Shire's 2026 Citizen of the Year Michael Broekman.
Ashleigh Foster with her husband Leigh and their children Ella and Max.
