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East Gippsland welcomes 24 new citizens
Date of Issue: 
April 26, 2022

East Gippsland’s newest citizens have been officially welcomed at citizenship ceremony in Bairnsdale on Tuesday 26 April.

The 24 participants from United States, Czech Republic, Britain, Germany, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and the Philippines, formally pledged their commitment to Australia at the ceremony, which was the final step in their citizenship journey.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said citizenship ceremonies are one of the highlights of his role.

“Welcoming people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe to East Gippsland changes our community for the better. I am absolutely thrilled that 24 new citizens have chosen to live in our wonderful part of the world.  

“I wish everyone who has become an Australian citizen today, every success in the future and enjoy their new life in the East Gippsland Shire.”

East Gippsland Shire has welcomed over 50 new citizens this year. The next ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 26.  

You can watch the ceremony on our YouTube channel.

Karen Cantutay of the Philippines with Sean-Alexander, Sean-Archer and Jerome Cantutay.
Helping make the citizenship ceremony special for Tim Garthwaite (second from right) are, from left, Ian and Kim Dunwoodie, Emily Garthwaite, and Irene Dunwoodie.

Formerly of the Czech Republic, Martin, Frankie and Eddie Kutek and Katerina Kutkova now call East Gippsland home.

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