A SPECIAL Australia Day ceremony saw the City of Mount Gambier welcome its newest crop of Australians with 12 residents granted citizenship at the council chambers.
Originating from the India, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Pakistan and Hong Kong, the candidates pledged their loyalty and commitment to Australia in the presence of family and friends.
The ceremony was officiated by Mount Gambier mayor Lynette Martin OAM who formerly welcomed the new Australians.
“Making the pledge is the final step in your becoming an Australian citizen,” she said.
“I am pleased to see so many citizen candidates here today and I would like to congratulate you on your decision to become an Australia.”
Council staff, parliamentarian Clare Scriven and Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell were at the ceremony to celebrate the journey of immigration for the new citizens.
The ceremony held some extra significance Congolese pair Maria Muzinga and Pasia Masa when they received their citizenship.
Migrant resource centre manager Anelia Blackie said they were part of the first Congolese family to arrive in Mount Gambier.
Both Maria and Pasia expressed excitement about becoming new Australians several years after they arrived in the city as refugees.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin was unable to attend the ceremony, however Ms Martin read a “welcome message” on his behalf.
The celebration culminated in the singing of the Australian National Anthem by the large gathering, who packed out the council chambers.
