Four residents have taken the final step to become some of Australia’s newest citizens at a ceremony hosted by East Gippsland Shire Council on Australia Day.

Mayor Cr Mendy Urie welcomed the new citizens at the ceremony in Bairnsdale, where family and dignitaries helped them mark the occasion.

Cr Urie said it was a significant day to come together as a nation to celebrate and to reflect on what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to warmly welcome our newest citizens and to recognise the common bond that unites all Australians no matter whether an Australian by birth or by choice,” Cr Urie said.

“Citizenship ceremonies hold a special significance for conferees and the broader Australian community. Today we have new citizens from Malta, Finland, New Zealand and the Philippines.

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mrs Micaela Buncad, Mr Joseph Zammit, Mr Tero Hietamaki and Mrs Rachael Pearce on becoming Australian citizens and making a commitment to Australia.

“The diversity of our new Australia citizens continues to underpin East Gippsland as a great place to live and work. We look forward to everyone contributing to East Gippsland life.”

East Gippsland’s new Aussies were presented with a framed certificate, Australia citizenship coin, a native plant and information about East Gippsland.

The citizenship ceremony was livestreamed and can be viewed below.