THE Thomas family became Mount Gambier’s newest Australian citizens at a ceremony held in the city’s council chamber last week.
Originally from India, Reji Thomas, Juanita John, Mishael Thomas and Jessica Thomas made the Australian citizenship oath, pledging their loyalty to Australia.
The ceremony was conducted by Mayor Andrew Lee and Mount Gambier City Council acting chief executive Judy Nagy, while St Martins Lutheran College students sang the Australian National Anthem.
“Conducting citizenship ceremonies is one of the highlights of my duties as mayor, it is quite moving to see the joy on the faces of those who make the pledge of commitment as the final step on their journey to become an Australian citizen,” Mr Lee said.
The Thomas family was joined by a large group of friends and councillors Ian Von Stanke, Christian Greco, community wellbeing manager Barbara Cernovskis and council business services manager Pamela Lee, as well as Grant District councillors Alan Hill and Julie Reis and chief executive David Singe.
Soroptimist Mount Gambier continued a long-standing tradition by presenting candidates with a gift to welcome them as new Australian citizens.
“I feel very honoured to welcome our new citizens as formal members of the Australian community and as members of our local community,” Mr Lee said.
