East Gippsland Shire Council proudly welcomed 24 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at St Mary’s Parish in Bairnsdale on Wednesday, September 17, in celebration of Australian Citizenship Day.
Mayor Cr John White, led the proceedings, officially welcoming new citizens from 18 different countries.
Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to celebrate their citizenship and reflect on its meaning, privileges and responsibilities.
This year marks the 76th anniversary of Australian Citizenship.
The first citizenship ceremony took place in Canberra in 1949.
Since then, more than six million people from over 200 nations have chosen to make Australia their home.
“Australia’s strength lies in its people. Our people have made Australia what it is, building our nation into a vibrant, open, and diverse society of which we can all be proud,” Cr White said.
“We acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of all people who call East Gippsland home. Today, it’s not just a ceremony, it’s a celebration of our collective spirit and achievements.”
This year East Gippsland welcomed 101 new citizens, an increase of 48 from last year.
Maria McKeown, one of the new citizens, shared her story: “I married my Australian husband, in Denmark in 1998 and my dad was the minister who married us and moved to Australia that same year. Life in Denmark was before children and grandchildren, but my roots and my heart are now firmly here,” Ms McKeown said.
“While part of me will always feel connected to Denmark, I have shared my heritage with our children, teaching them Danish and occasionally cooking traditional Danish dishes.
“The biggest challenge since moving to Australia has been not being able to easily visit family back home. I have always found Australians to be warm, friendly and welcoming, and I love the year-round warmth, greenery, and flowers. Becoming an Australian citizen has been a lifelong goal since living here with my husband and raising our little Australians, and I am truly grateful to have achieved it.”
For more information about becoming an Australian citizen, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
