Shire confirms newest Australian citizens to the region

ZAMBIAN-BORN Jan Juc resident Mutale Chishimba says becoming an Australian citizen is like being part of a new family.

Ms Chishimba was one of 27 new citizens confirmed at the Surf Coast Shire Council’s virtual citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

“I was made an orphan at the age of three following a car crash involving both my parents, so I saw moving to Australia in 2007 as an opportunity to start building a life where I can provide for myself and build a future,” Ms Chishimba said.

“Australia aligns with all my values, I love the peace, the inclusiveness, it’s so multicultural, it’s so involving, and I just knew this was home the moment I moved here.”

Ms Chishimba attended the virtual citizenship ceremony, and it was a dream come true for the now Surf Coast resident.

“It was so emotional on the day,” Ms Chishimba said.

“It was such an achievement for me, it meant a whole lot of things including the fact I can now vote.

“I am so passionate about the community; I volunteer at Feed Me Surf Coast even though I work full-time. I am just so happy; it was like being introduced to a new family.”

British national Julia O’Brien met her husband Jeremy back in the United Kingdom and after 13 years living here on the Surf Coast she can finally call herself an Australian.

The Barwon Health paediatric nurse and Jan Juc resident, will always have her heart back at home in the UK, but she’s extremely happy with the life here down under.

“I’m proud to be here and proud to be an Australian,” Ms O’Brien said.

She is now also prepared to answer the tough question that comes with having an Australian and British citizenship.

“I don’t know who I’m going to go for in the cricket,” Ms O’Brien joked. “I think I’ll tell people it depends on who’s winning.”

Acting shire mayor Liz Pattison said it was a privilege to welcome the region’s newest citizens.

“It’s a really special event for conferees and you can see it on their faces,” Cr Pattison said.

“We had a wonderfully diverse mix of nationalities represented at the ceremony.We had to move the event online due to the current Omicron outbreak but tried to still make it as special as possible for everyone.

“We had a native plant along with a gift bag, which we’d normally present in-person, delivered to the home of each conferee ahead of the ceremony. They really appreciated this effort.”