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.

Congratulations to East Gippsland Shire’s newest Australian citizens!

On Wednesday 16 September, 24 new citizens proudly took the pledge at a special Citizenship Ceremony held at St Mary’s Parish Hall in Bairnsdale.

Our newest Australians come from a wonderfully diverse range of countries, including Britain, Cambodia, Denmark, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United States and Vietnam.

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Cr John White, the Hon Tim Bull MP, CEO Fiona Weigall, Cr Ian Trevaskis and Kaylene Williamson, who delivered a moving Welcome to Country.

Citizenship ceremonies are always memorable occasions, celebrating the moment when people from diverse backgrounds officially become part of the Australian community.

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

We are so proud to welcome our newest citizens and hope you enjoy calling East Gippsland home.

Thirty-six East Gippsland residents took a proud step on Thursday 12 June, officially becoming Australian citizens at a welcoming Citizenship Ceremony at St Mary’s Parish, Bairnsdale.

Originally from countries including France, Malta, Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Ukraine, the Philippines, South Africa, Nepal, India and Pakistan, these new Australians now proudly call East Gippsland home.

Mayor Cr John White said that Council was honoured to host the event on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

“We’re proud to welcome these 36 individuals to the Australian family,” Cr White said.

The ceremony was live streamed on our YouTube channel so family and friends from across the world could watch the special occasion.

You can watch the ceremony on our YouTube channel.

On sunny Thursday morning we welcomed 26 incredible individuals who proudly took the pledge to become Australian citizens this morning at a Citizenship Ceremony held in Bairnsdale.

Representing countries as diverse as New Zealand, Philippines, Sweden, Egypt, Chile, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland and Germany — each of you brings something special to our shared story.

Surrounded by friends and family, it was a joy to witness such a meaningful occasion — made even more special by the honour of having Kaylene Williamson deliver a moving Welcome to Country.

We’re so proud to welcome you to our East Gippsland community and hope you enjoy calling it home as much as we all do.

The ceremony was live-streamed and is available to watch on our YouTube channel.