Gunnedah Shire welcomed three new citizens on Australia Day.
Sherwin Galeon Camarin, Cyril Joules Matias Lim and Reynaldo Saludes officially became citizens of Australia in a ceremony under the gum trees in Anzac Park on Monday.
The ceremony was held as part of the full day of events across the Shire and was officiated by Mayor Colleen Fuller and attended by community members and supporting friends and family.
The three new citizens from the Philippines received their Citizenship Certificates from Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller and took the Australian citizenship pledge of commitment, making them officially Australian citizens.
Sherwin moved to Australia six years ago and chose to live in Gunnedah for employment. He finds Gunnedah a peaceful town because it is quiet, with lovely people. Sherwin is involved in the Catholic Church community and plays basketball at PCYC Gunnedah.
Cyril came to our shores for better opportunities and access to a great lifestyle. He chose Gunnedah as his new home 12 years ago because his stepfather worked in the mines. Cyril's mother (Juliet) and two younger brothers, Elijah and Kian, also live in Gunnedah. Cyril enjoys Gunnedah as it is a simple, quiet town with all the essentials in the main street.
Reynaldo relocated to Australia because he applied for a position as a mechanic. After spending time in the country, he felt it was nice and peaceful and decided to apply for citizenship. He works as a mechanic at Toyota Gunnedah and plays basketball. He has lived in Gunnedah for 8 years and likes Gunnedah as it is quiet and peaceful place.
Mayor Fuller said it was exciting to welcome the Shire's first new citizens for 2026.
"It's always wonderful to add to the diversity of our community. People from all over the globe live among us, bringing elements of their own cultures and enriching our Shire," she said.
"I warmly welcome Sherwin, Cyril and Reynaldo as they join our nation."
In 2024-25, a total of 165,193 people became Australian citizens by conferral, representing more than 190 different nationalities. New Zealand is the top country of nationality, evidenced by the five new citizens the Shire welcomed from the country in December.
Gunnedah Shire gained 15 new citizens in 2025.
