Shire to welcome new Australians

Moorabool Shire will welcome 86 new citizens as part of the Australia Day 2023 celebrations at the Mechanics Institute at Inglis Street in Ballan.

The migrants, who come from countries including India, Pakistan, United Kingdom, United States, Philippines, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Fiji, Singapore, the Netherlands, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Russian Federation, New Zealand, South Africa, Poland, Nigeria, and Romania, will attend one of two ceremonies being held on Thursday 26 January 2023. One ceremony will start at 9 am, with a second ceremony from 11.30 am.

Both events will be livestreamed.

Mayor Cr Rod Ward said Australia Day is a significant day to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship, and what it means to be Australian.

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

Cr Ward said citizenship is the common bond uniting all Australians, whether you are a citizen by birth or by choice.

On Australia Day 2023, thousands of people will become citizens at hundreds of ceremonies taking place across Australia.

An Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony will also be part of the celebration at Ballan, allowing all Australians to congratulate and welcome new citizens.

“Thousands of Australians are also expected to affirm their citizenship, bringing communities together in regional and metropolitan Australia,” Cr Ward said.

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

For more information on the Australia Day ceremonies, head to www.moorabool.vic.gov.au and search ‘Australia Day and Awards’.