There were smiles, cheers and a few proud tears at the WORLD Sporting Precinct in Bairnsdale on Wednesday 15 July, as 33 people officially became Australian citizens in one of Council's most joyous events.

The milestone marks something much bigger than a number on a page. Behind every one of those 33 names is a story of courage, hard work and hope – journeys that are already being woven into the fabric of East Gippsland through family, friendships, careers, local clubs, volunteering and everyday community life.  

We hope our newest citizens never leave their culture behind but instead bring it with them and weave it into ours, helping build an even richer, stronger and more connected East Gippsland.

Representing 19 countries – India, Thailand, England, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Peru, the United States, Zimbabwe, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Pakistan, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan, South Africa, Vietnam and Canada. The newest citizens were formally welcomed by Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth in a ceremony filled with pride, colour and celebration.

"It is always a privilege to welcome new citizens," Mayor Ashworth said. "Each person brings their own story, experiences and hopes for the future, and together they enrich the fabric of our community. East Gippsland is made stronger by its diversity, and we are grateful to those who have chosen to call our region home."

For Orbost resident Kathy Gupta, taking the Australian citizenship pledge marked the culmination of a journey spanning almost three decades.

Kathy said it all began in 1997 when she visited friends in Sydney. “Then my daughter Sara came to study veterinary science and then stayed on after becoming a citizen herself, and after my late husband passed away, I began alternating between Australia and the USA – 6 months with my daughter and 6 months with my son in the USA. I was always happiest here in Australia and began the process to become a citizen in 2019. Later, I met my partner, Carl – an American who got his Australian citizenship 40 years ago.

"I'm so grateful for the peaceful life I've found in the Orbost area, and for a community that's given me so many ways to belong through volunteering with organisations such as Rotary Club of Orbost, and as a member of CWA, Landcare, Newmerella Recreation Reserve and the Orbost Food Pantry.  

“Australians are very friendly and welcoming, with an excellent balance of individualism and caring for community. It’s refreshing to meet people who care so much about other people. I am thrilled to become an Australian citizen today.”  

Congratulations to all 33 new citizens. We are delighted you've chosen to call East Gippsland home and look forward to seeing the next chapter of your journey unfold here.

It's been a big year already, with 94 new citizens welcomed at Council ceremonies so far in 2026, and the celebrations continue Thursday 17 September, Australian Citizenship Day, when the next group takes their pledge.

For information about becoming an Australian citizen, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship or call 13 18 80.

Family and friends from near and far were able to share in the occasion, with the event livestreamed on our Youtube channel.

Refugee Week is being celebrated across Australia this week, with this year's theme, One Million Stories. The theme marks a powerful milestone, recognising the one million stories that have helped shape modern Australia. Each story is unique and powerful, reflecting the experiences of individuals, families and communities who have contributed to the rich cultural fabric of our nation.

Against this national backdrop of reflection and celebration, East Gippsland Shire Council proudly welcomed 31 new Australian citizens at a ceremony held at the WORLD Sporting Precinct in Bairnsdale on Thursday 18 June.

The ceremony was led by Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, who formally welcomed citizens from 16 countries: Britain, Botswana, Canada, France, Germany, India, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the occasion reflects the strength and diversity of the community.

“It is always a privilege to welcome new citizens to call East Gippsland home. Each person brings their own story, experiences and hopes for the future, and together they enrich the fabric of our community. East Gippsland is made stronger by its diversity, and we are grateful to those who have chosen to call this region home.”

Council warmly congratulates all new citizens and extends its best wishes as they begin this next chapter of their lives as Australians.

So far this year, 63 new citizens have been welcomed at Council ceremonies. The next citizenship ceremony will be held on Wednesday 15 July.

For information about becoming an Australian citizen, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship or call 13 18 80.

Family and friends from near and far were able to share in the occasion, with the event livestreamed on our Youtube channel.

From around the world to East Gippsland

East Gippsland Shire proudly welcomed 32 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony held at St Mary’s Parish in Bairnsdale on Friday 23 January.  

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth led the proceedings, officially welcoming new citizens from 14 different countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, England, Germany, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, United Kingdom and Vietnam. 

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said, Australia's strength lies in its people.  

“Our citizens have shaped this nation into a vibrant, open, and diverse society we can all be proud of,” Cr Ashworth said.  

“We celebrate the contributions of everyone who calls East Gippsland home. Today is more than a ceremony, it’s a celebration of our shared spirit and achievements.

“We warmly congratulate all our new citizens and wish them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter in their lives.” 

Among those conferred citizenship was Jag Singh, originally from India, whose journey to East Gippsland began with a scholarship to study a Master of Accounting at La Trobe University in Melbourne, following the completion of a Bachelor of Commerce in India.

Arriving in Australia in February 2019, he lived in several locations around Melbourne before settling in East Gippsland in 2021, drawn by a sense of familiarity.

“Life here is surprisingly similar to home, which is one of the reasons I settled here,” Jag said.

“The people are very kind, and the lifestyle is very good. It reminds me of my village back in India, good people, small-town joy and a straightforward attitude where people look after others.”

While special occasions can bring thoughts of family and friends back in India, strong family values remain central.

“My family traditions are about working hard and doing religious and community service, which I continue to practise here,” he said.

Like many new arrivals, the early period of settling in Australia came with challenges.

“It was difficult at the start and getting my first job was very hard, but eventually everything worked out,” Jag said.

Integrating into the local community was made easier through shared values and involvement with the local CFA, where lasting friendships were formed.

Reflecting on becoming an Australian citizen, Jag said it was not something he had anticipated when first arriving.

“I would never have predicted I’d be attending a citizenship ceremony in Bairnsdale. I have great admiration for Australia, where my efforts have been rewarded, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me since I first arrived. Becoming a citizen of this wonderful nation means a great deal to me.”

East Gippsland Shire Council will host the next citizenship ceremony in July.  

To learn more about becoming an Australian citizen, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship or call 13 18 80.

Family and friends from near and far were able to share in the occasion, with the event livestreamed on our Youtube channel.