Moira Shire welcomed 11 new Australian citizens on Thursday 23 May during a ceremony at the Cobram Civic Centre. Chair Administrator John Tanner AM presided over the event, with fellow Administrator Dr. Graeme Emonson PSM also in attendance.
Mr Tanner congratulated the new citizens, emphasising the significance of their decision to become Australian citizens and their desire to share a common future.
"It is an honour to present Australian citizenship to people who appreciate and value our society so much that they wish to make Australia their home," said Mr Tanner.
"I take this opportunity to welcome all our new citizens and extend, on behalf of the Moira Shire community, best wishes for a happy and successful future as citizens of Australia."
The group of new citizens includes former residents of the Philippines, New Zealand, India, and the United Kingdom.
During the ceremony, Mr Tanner read a message from the Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Andrew Giles, who thanked the new citizens for their decision to become Australians.
"Today, you join a nation that is one of the world's most successful multicultural societies, with around half of 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' message read.
"Our diversity is our greatest strength, and we prosper by embracing this."
Mr Giles also highlighted Australia's ethos of the "fair go", where respect and compassion underpin the nation's care for each other and willingness to help those in need.
Mr Tanner noted the inspiring sight of so many new citizens supported by their families, both in Australia and overseas, as they embark on this significant milestone.
