A warm welcome for Bendigo’s newest citizens

ONE of Bendigo’s most uplifting civic ceremonies unfolded at Ulumbarra Theatre last Friday, on the eve of the Australia Day weekend, as 90 people were formally welcomed as Australian citizens.

The new citizens reflected a broad mix of cultures and backgrounds, with countries of birth including Afghanistan, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Iran, Mauritius, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan attended, alongside City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Andrew Cooney, mayor Thomas Prince, deputy mayor Karen Coor, councillors Abhishek Awasthi and Andrea Metcalf, alongside recently appointed Bendigo citizens of the year Barry Clay and Phannika Finnerty.

Addressing new citizens and their families, Ms Allan said becoming an Australian citizen was an active choice.

“Becoming a citizen is about choosing this country, and we’re really proud that you’ve chosen our community here in Bendigo,” she said.

She said citizenship meant standing with Australian values, including democracy, freedom, fairness and care for one another.

“Citizenship gives you a real voice – you’ll vote, you’ll take part in our great democracy and you’ll also have the opportunity to help shape the future of this great city of Bendigo, our state and our country,” she said.

Ms Allan also spoke of the responsibilities that come with citizenship including respect, community contribution and lending a hand when it counts.

“Our community was built by people who came from somewhere else, whether it’s from the goldfields right the way through to today.

“People have arrived, they’ve worked hard, raised families, opened businesses, volunteered and helped build (a) city that welcomes others in.

“This isn’t just an historical story, it’s who we are right now, and from today, we welcome you as part of it.”

She encouraged new citizens to bring their cultures, stories and traditions with them.

“You’ve chosen to make your home here – to work, to study, to start businesses, to raise a family and get involved in the community,” Ms Allan said.

“These are everyday actions that represent what makes a strong community. To our new citizens, I want you to bring your culture, your stories, your traditions, because that’s what makes this great state even stronger.

“I hope you can feel proud, proud to be Victorian, proud to be Australian and proud to call this country home and fly the Australian flag. Thank you for choosing to build your life here.”