New citizens welcomed to East Gippsland

Woman and man holding plants in front of a citizenship banner.

East Gippsland has five new Australian citizens following a citizenship ceremony held in the East Gippsland Shire Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 26.

Those taking part in the ceremony hailed from Mauritius, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa.

Citizenship ceremonies involve candidates pledging support for Australia by reciting an Oath or Affirmation and receiving their citizenship certificate. All guests can then participate in the final section of the ceremony, by reciting the Australian citizen affirmation and singing the national anthem.

New citizens also receive a native plant as a gift from council marking the special occasion.

Deputy Mayor Cr John White conducted the ceremony, which can be viewed on council’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/c/EastGippyTV.

“Citizenship ceremonies are one of the highlights on our civic calendar. It was a pleasure to conduct this ceremony and be a part of this special day in our new citizens’ lives,” Cr White said.

Group of women and men holding certificates an native plants.

Pictured following East Gippsland Shire Council’s citizenship ceremony are Janet Garner, Karen Nicholas, Byron Sibeijn, Deputy Mayor Cr John White, Yuan Yue, and Eric Lebon.

/Public Release. View in full here.