Moorabool to welcome 90 new Aussie citizens

ZIMBABWE, Nepal and Colombia are just some of the countries from which Moorabool Shire’s soon-to-be Australian citizens have travelled to make the local area their home.

On Monday 15 June, Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor will host three Australian citizenship ceremonies as the region formally welcomes 90 people – 80 adults and 10 children – as its newest national citizens.

The trio of citizenship ceremonies will take place at the West Maddingley Community Hub at 5pm, 5.45pm and 6.30pm respectively.

They mark a significant milestone in the lives of all 90 individuals who have demonstrated an understanding and acceptance of Australian values, dedication and commitment to Australia.

They have travelled from areas across the globe including the Philippines, India, Colombia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Singapore, China, Malysia, Nepal and Uganda.

Cr Venditti-Taylor said the ceremonies are a highlight on the council’s calendar and present an opportunity to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship and what it means to be Australian.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to give a warm welcome to our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become a full member of the Australian community,” he said.

“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect.

“I congratulate those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia.”

Over the next 20 years, the population of the Moorabool Shire LGA is projected to grow by 94.24 per cent, increasing from 41,103 now to 73,684 by 2046, reflecting an anticipated addition of 35,749 residents at an average annual growth rate of 2.69 per cent.