Citizenship ceremonies conducted in Stawell and St Arnaud

Northern Grampians Shire Council held two Australian citizenship ceremonies this week, welcoming a total of nine new citizens into the shire. The first ceremony was conducted at the Stawell Town Hall on Monday 28 June at 5pm and the other at St Arnaud Town Hall at 4PM today.  

Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson presided over the ceremonies and received the pledge of the new Australian citizens per the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. Cr Emerson commenced the ceremonies with an acknowledgement of country and said it was a great honour and pleasure to conduct this ceremony every time he is appointed to do so. 

“Making the pledge is the final step in you becoming an Australian citizen and I congratulate you on your decision, a decision welcomed not only by me, but by all Australians,” he said. 

The Stawell ceremony was witnessed by Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO Ms Liana Thompson, officiating council staff and a small group of the citizen’s family and friends according to Coronavirus restrictions.  

Cr Emerson read a message from the honorable Alex Hawke MP, Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Affairs and Multicultural Affairs who said in a congratulatory message that social cohesion has never been more important and “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved as a nation, and we welcome you to join us…and play an active part in your local communities to build an even stronger nation.” 

The mayor presented each of the new citizens with a commemorative certificate and a bag of locally sourced gifts. The ceremonies concluded with a closing address where Mayor Emerson reminded the new citizens that they will now enjoy privileges and responsibilities such as the right to vote at Australian elections and to hold an Australian passport. 

“Your Australian citizenship is a symbol of your commitment to Australia and your formal membership of the Australian community,” Cr Emerson announced. 

On behalf of Northern Grampians Shire Council he extended his congratulations and wished all the recipients well as Australian citizens and residents of our shire. 

The ceremonies concluded with an affirmation by everyone present and the singing of the Australian national anthem. In Stawell, Ms Kerry Wilson, well known Northern Grampians Librarian, sang the anthem. In St Arnaud, everyone joined in for a community singalong. 

For further information on becoming an Australian citizen in Northern Grampians Shire please visit our website www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/newcitizens or call customer service on 03 5358 8700.