Murrindindi Shire Council celebrated eight new Australian Citizens on Tuesday 21 October at an official Citizenship Ceremony held at the Alexandra Council Chamber.
Desmond, Sherma, Marc, Francesco, David, Alexey, Florine and Gerard have pledged their loyalty to Australia, its people, and its democratic beliefs, and to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and respect the rights and liberties of its people.
The ceremony was conducted by Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Damien Gallagher, with Deputy Mayor Anita Carr and Council CEO Livia Bonazzi assisting in the proceedings. Also in attendance were distinguished guests including Peter Rice from UGFM, local volunteer and educator Veronica Hendrickson, and John Allcock, President of Rotary Club of Alexandra. As respected community leaders and volunteers, these guests helped inspire our newest citizens to actively engage in local life and contribute ideas that strengthen our shared future.
Murrindindi Shire Council extends its warmest congratulations to all the conferees and wishes them all the best in their new journey as Australian Citizens.
To learn more about becoming an Australian citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or call the Citizenship Information line on 131 880 during business hours.
"Welcoming new citizens is one of the most special moments for our Shire," Mayor Damien Gallagher said at the ceremony.
"The memories, stories, and traditions that each of you bring as new Australians enrich our community and complement the very longest continuous civilisation on Earth. Today, as you become citizens of Australia, you don't just join a country; you join us as active participants in a democratic society that values fairness, freedom, and respect. Whether we're born here, or committing ourselves to Australia today, our citizenship is in part a duty, a promise to engage, to care, and to help build a better future; not for ourselves as self-interested individuals, but for us all, as Australians.
Today's ceremony is not just about receiving certificates; it's about recognising the shared future we are building together here in Murrindindi, and we are delighted to celebrate this occasion with our newest community members and their families."
