East Gippsland welcomes 15 new Australian Citizens
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East Gippsland Shire Council welcomed 15 new Australian Citizens at a ceremony held in Bairnsdale on Tuesday.
People from five countries took a public pledge of commitment as citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia in front of family and friends.
Council live streamed the ceremony so people who could not be at the ceremony could watch their loved ones complete the final step in their journey to become Australian Citizens.
The region’s newest citizens come from India, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Philippines, and South Africa.
Mayor Cr Joe Rettino, who officiated the ceremony, said council was excited to be welcoming such a diverse range of people to the region.
“It was fantastic to see both families and individuals becoming citizens of our great country. This ceremony saw a family of six take part in the ceremony together, which I’m sure was a very special moment for them,” Cr Rettino said.
The video of the ceremony can be viewed on council’s You Tube channel, East Gippy TV.
Council conducts four Citizenship ceremonies each year.
New Australian Citizens Johannes and Dorothea Oosthuizen of South Africa pictured with (from left) East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Joe Rettino, Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and Deputy Mayor Cr Mark Reeves.
The Gonzales family of the Philippines became Australian citizens on Tuesday. Pictured are (back) Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and family friends Garry and Lynden Kennedy (front) Rei Ruper, Katherine, Reyglor, Rei Riexylle, Rei Raphael and (right) Rei Ruther Gonzales with Mayor Cr Joe Rettino.