Next group of new citizens ready to take the pledge

THIRTY adults and seven children will become Australian citizens when the Moorabool Shire Council hosts two citizenship ceremonies later this month.

Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell will host the ceremonies on Tuesday 23 September.

The first will begin at 5pm and the second at 5.45pm, both at the West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub in McCormacks Road, Maddingley.

Those to receive Australian citizenship hail from Scotland, Japan, Greece, India, the Philippines, New Zealand, Iran, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Samoa, the United States, Vietnam and Canada.

They, like all new citizens, demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Australian values, along with a dedication and commitment to Australia.

Cr Tatchell said citizenship events are significant on the Shire’s calendar, adding that they are an opportunity to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship and what it means to be an 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 lifelong commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect.

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

The most recent citizenship ceremonies took place in June at the same venue, in which 32 adults and seven children became citizens.

On that occasion, new citizens came from countries including Malta, North Macedonia, FYR Macedonia, India, China, England, New Zealand, the Philippines, Canada, Iran, Afghanistan, Jersey, Lebanon and Pakistan.