New Australian citizens welcomed

Twenty five people from 11 different countries formally became Australians on Wednesday at a bumper Citizenship Ceremony at Horsham Rural City Council.

Countries of origin included The Philippines, Ireland, Sri Lanka, India, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand, United Kingdom, Republic of Yemen, Pakistan and South Africa.

It was an unusually high number of new citizens, with many family members and friends on hand as they took the oath at the Civic Centre.

Council officiates about six ceremonies per year on behalf of the Australian Government and all new citizens receive a native plant as a gift from Council to mark the special occasion.

“Every new citizen has something special to share and, as a result, our communities and workplaces become stronger because of the culture, knowledge, skills and stories they bring to our region,” Mayor Robyn Gulline said.

“We are delighted that they have chosen to make their permanent homes in our region – it is truly a great place to live.

“I always enjoy attending the citizenship ceremonies, it’s a great privilege to be a part of such an important day in people’s lives. It was terrific to see the room filled with so many happy people and their friends,” she said.