Murrindindi Shire Council marked an important milestone for 26 community members on Thursday 18 June, at an official Citizenship Ceremony held at Alexandra Shire Hall during Refugee Week.
Gayathri, Rithika, Sachin, Christine, Peter, Sam, Shrawan, Haolie, Matthew, Punyisa, Hannah, Klaus, Lalita, Steven, Hien, Kerry, Arun, Cory, Sadhana, Jill, Mohinder, Jayant, Viyan, Faith, Niroshan and Jeremy pledged their loyalty to Australia, its people and its democratic beliefs, and committed to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and respect the rights and liberties of its people.
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher presided over the ceremony which was attended by Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr, Cr Paul Hildebrand, Cr Sandice McAulay, Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi. Special guests included Ian Newman and Joy Burchell from Fawcett, Jonathon Tofts from Terip Terip, Shivaun Murphy and Graham Halliburton from Yarck, and Daryl King, President of the Rotary Club of Yea, recognised for their contribution as volunteers supporting community-led recovery hubs and as pillars of their local communities.
Held during Refugee Week (14-20 June 2026), the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the courage and resilience of refugees and to recognise the important contributions people from diverse backgrounds make to Australian society and local communities.
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the ceremony highlighted the strength and diversity of the Murrindindi community.
"Having taken your own unique journey to be here, I am in awe of the commitment you make today," Mayor Gallagher said.
"I acknowledge the thousands of generations of Taungurung People as the earliest custodians of the land we stand upon today and respectfully acknowledge Elders past and present. The memories, stories and traditions that each of you bring as new Australians enrich our community and complement the longest continuous civilisation on earth."
"This ceremony coincides with Refugee Week and provides a moment to reflect on the experiences of people who have been forced to flee persecution, conflict or violence and have found safety and a new beginning in Australia. Refugees make enduring contributions to our communities, enriching the social, cultural and economic fabric of Australian life."
Australian citizenship ceremonies are among the final steps in becoming an Australian citizen and are an important occasion for both new citizens and the wider community.
To learn more about becoming an Australian citizen, visit the Department of Home Affairs website immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or call the Citizenship Information line on 131 880 during business hours.
Pictured above (back row from left): Conferees Niroshan, name withheld on request, Hien, Matthew, Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Shrawan, Sadhana, Hannah, Punyisa, Jill, Arun, Jeremy, Gayathri, Kerry, Haolie, Sachin, Peter, Steven, Mohinder, Klaus, Cr Anita Carr, Christine.
Pictured above (front row from left): Viyan, Jayant and Rithika (far right), and children of the conferees.
