New citizens celebrated

MORE than seventy Moorabool Shire residents have been awarded Australian Citizenship at a ceremony held last Saturday.

The citizenship ceremony took place at Ballan Mechanics Institute, and 56 adults and 16 children were declared citizens of Australia.

New Australian citizens must show an understanding and acceptance of Australian values, and a dedication and commitment to the country.

The new citizens have travelled from a range of countries including India, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Albania, Ireland, Philippines, Russian Federation, Thailand, Italy, Samoa, North Macedonia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, United States, China and Brazil.

Kudzai Chiwonzoro, who comes from Zimbabwe, said Moorabool Shire has a special warmth about it.

“There is just some warmth, the lifestyle isn’t too fast, it’s just perfect,” she said.

“I don’t have to travel a long way to work and stuff like that, so I do like it.”

Mayor Cr Ally Munari said the ceremony was an important occasion.

“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,” she 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.”