Moira Shire welcomed 33 new Australian citizens from 14 nations into the municipality today.
John Tanner AM, Chair of the Panel of Administrators for Council and fellow Administrator Dr. Graeme Emonson presided over the citizenship ceremony at the Cobram Civic Centre.
Students from Cobram Anglican Grammar and Cobram Secondary College also attended an were tasked with signing the National Anthem.
Mr. Tanner said becoming an Australian citizen was a significant step for the new citizens in showing loyalty to Australia and their desire to share a common future.
“It is an honour to present Australian citizenships to people who appreciate and value our society so much that they wish to become one of us and make Australia their home,” Mr Tanner said.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate you all, welcome you and extend on behalf of your community and everyone here, best wishes for a happy and successful future as citizens of Australia.
“We have people represented from all corners of the municipality and all corners of the world.”
Among the citizens were former residents of the United Kingdom, the USA, Iraq, India, Philippines, New Zealand, Kenya, Myanmar, Denmark, Malta, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Ireland.
Mr. Tanner read a message from the Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, at the ceremony.
It highlighted that they joined a nation that is one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies, with around half of all Australians either born overseas, or with at least one parent born overseas.
“In Australia, everyone can be proud of who they are - and everyone should be respected, valued and feel a sense of belonging,” Mr Giles said.
“Australia (is) the land of the fair go, in which respect and compassion underpin our care for each other and our willingness to reach out to those around us in times of need.”
Mr. Tanner said it was inspiring to see so many new citizens who were supported by their families in Australia and overseas, as well as the support from the students attending.