Wellington Shire’s newest Australian citizens were sworn in by Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Carolyn Crossley, on Thursday 26 January, during the Australia Day event at Sale Botanic Gardens.
The Wellington Shire citizenship ceremony is a longstanding tradition, and there is always a ceremony held on Australia Day each year. The ceremony provides the opportunity to welcome our newest Australian citizens, whilst celebrating everything great about our nation, and the Australian way of life.
At the Australia Day citizenship ceremony, 15 people, including five family groups, took their oath. Our newest Australian citizens originally reside from China, Egypt, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Carolyn Crossley, said “Council invites cultural diversity and it was a great honour on this Australia Day to present 15 people, from six different countries, with their Australian citizenship.”
Mayor Crossley said it was a very special day, not only for those choosing to make Australia their permanent home, but also for family and friends who attended and watched on.
“Council is dedicated to making sure the ceremony is a very special and memorable occasion for our newest citizens, as well as their family and friends.”
Wellington Shire residents were also invited to take part in the ceremony, with many taking the opportunity to reaffirm their allegiance to Australia.
“It was great to see many Wellington Shire locals reaffirm their pledge to Australia on Australia Day,” said Mayor Crossley.
Mayor Crossley said she was pleased to receive a number of positive remarks from those in attendance on Thursday.
“It was fantastic to hear so many of the participants comment on what a moving experience the ceremony was.”
“Congratulations to our newest Australian citizens,” said Mayor Crossley.
Each of the new citizens were presented with a certificate and a native plant to commemorate their special day.
Working on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Wellington Shire Council is responsible for formally conferring Australian citizenship on qualifying overseas residents who live in the municipality. Such ceremonies are held on a regular basis and organised by the council’s Chief Executive Officer Unit.
All applications and enquiries are handled by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. They can be contacted on 131 881 or by visiting their website www.border.gov.au.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Your Australian Citizenship Certificate will be forwarded to Wellington Shire Council and we will invite you to attend the next Citizenship ceremony.