Zoe Hickey, new citizen Jeanette Hickey, Paul Hickey and Ella Hickey.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Murray River Council hosted a citizenship ceremony for seven new Australian citizens on Wednesday, July 10.
Murray River Council Mayor Frank Crawley with Ricardo and Ezekiel Cumpa.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
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Mayor Frank Crawley welcomed them to the Rich River Golf Club in Moama for the ceremony, which is one of two or three held each year.
He presented a message from the Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles.
“Australians are united by a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law and to freedom of speech, religion and association,” he said.
“Our diversity is our greatest strength, and we prosper by embracing this.”
Matthew Priddle and new citizen Jane Dagarag.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Some of the countries of birth of the newest Australian citizens included the Philippines and Denmark, with four attendees originally hailing from the Philippines.
Among those from the Philippines was Jocelyn Haynes, who moved to Australia about seven years ago.
“(I feel) amazing, wonderful ... happy,” she said.
“The people here are very nice. They always say, ‘hello,’ they’re very approachable.
“I’m working at the supermarket, so I always talk, especially to elderly people, and they’re very nice people.”
Jocelyn Haynes is happy to be an Australian citizen.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Mrs Haynes initially moved to Bendigo but relocated to the Echuca-Moama area about five years ago.
“My husband and I moved here, for a change of place and scenery,” she said.
“His son is here ... that’s why we decided to move here.”
“It’s good to meet all the Filipinos and talk in our language,” she said.
“I love it here.”
New citizens and their guests sing the Australian national anthem.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
All new citizens took a citizenship pledge, committing to uphold national values and embrace the responsibilities of being Australian.
Each new citizen was welcomed by Cr Crawley, who presented them with a certificate and a native Australian protea plant. Attendees then joined tosing Advance Australia Fair.
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