On Australian Citizenship Day, Thursday 17 September 2026, we welcomed 200 new Australian citizens to our community at our Citizenship Ceremony at Malvern Town Hall.
In front of family and friends, Mayor Cr Melina Sehr JP congratulated our latest new citizens, originating from 52 countries worldwide, as they stood together to take the Pledge of Commitment. In doing so they affirmed their loyalty to Australia and commemorated the important occasion as the day they took their last steps in their journey to becoming an Australian citizen.
The formalities were overseen by Cr Sally Davis - Hedgeley Dene Ward, Cr Kate Hely - South Yarra Ward, Cr Meghan Hopper PhD - Como Ward, Senior Sergeant Ingrid Ebert - Victoria Police, Thane Garvey - Wurundjeri Man, Hon. Michael O'Brien MP - Member for Malvern, Dr Monique Ryan MP - Member for Kooyong for the Australian Parliament, and Rachel Westaway MP - Member for Prahran. Entertainment was provided by the Stonnington City Brass and vocalist Richard Thomas.
Each new citizen was presented with their citizenship certificate and a native Australian plant to take home and plant.
New Australia citizens Erika from Italy and Cameron from Scotland, shared with us why they chose Australia and Stonnington as their home, and what it's like becoming an Australian.
Why did you choose to live in Australia?
Erika: "I chose to live in Australia because of its welcoming and multicultural community, the opportunities it offers, and the quality of life. Over the years, living in Cairns, Brisbane and Melbourne has allowed me to experience different communities and cultures, and Australia has gradually become my home."
Cameron: "I didn't plan it but once I got here I loved it so much and I wanted to stay."
What do you love about Stonnington?
Erika: "I love the beautiful surroundings, vibrant community and welcoming atmosphere of Stonnington. It is a wonderful place to live, and I feel very fortunate to call it home."
Cameron: "I live very close to Chapel Street. It's a pretty vibrant place to live, I love being in Victoria and the local area."
Is there anything else about your journey to becoming an Australian citizen that you would like to share?
Erika: "Becoming an Australian citizen is a very meaningful milestone for me. After arriving in Australia in 2017, I have built so many wonderful memories, relationships and experiences here. I am grateful for all the opportunities Australia has given me, and I feel very proud to officially become part of the Australian community.
"I am especially grateful to my family and friends for all their love, encouragement and support throughout this journey. Their support has meant so much to me and has helped me along the way. Reaching this milestone is something I am very happy and proud to share with them."
Cameron: "I arrived on a working holiday visa back in 2019. Little did I know six months later we'd be in lock down for nearly two yrs in the end. So, on and off in lockdown was pretty hard in Victoria, but we've come to the other side and I think it's a much better place for it.
"It might get me in trouble - but I'm still dealing with everyone's fascination with football! I don't have a team, but I love being at the MCG."
Congratulations Erika and Cameron - welcome to Stonnington!
Photos below: New citizens Erika and Cameron at the Citizenship ceremony.
