City of Mount Gambier hosted its first online Australian Citizenship Ceremony on Thursday 14 May 2020 with 23 residents conferred.
Mayor Lynette Martin OAM presided over the ceremony, held via video conferencing tool Zoom due to COVID-19.
As always it was a very joyous occasion, albeit taking a slightly different format, but all participants were really pleased to still be able to receive their citizenship given the current circumstances. – City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM
Originating from the UK, US, South Africa, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Thailand and Austria the candidates were able to complete the final step to receiving citizenship by taking the citizenship pledge, demonstrating full commitment to Australia and its people and accepting the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
“With so many things being placed on hold during this time it was pleasing to see that the City of Mount Gambier still found a way to welcome new citizens into the community,” conferee Odette Lubbe said.
Post-pandemic, Mayor Martin will invite all new citizens to have their photo taken to mark the occasion which would normally form part of the traditional ceremony.
The next City of Mount Gambier Citizenship Ceremony is scheduled for 6 August 2020.
“At this point in time it is not known if our next ceremony will be held online or in person. This will depend on the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and advice from the Department of Home Affairs,” Mayor Martin said.
