A bumper citizenship ceremony in Lakes Entrance on Tuesday, April 13 saw 14 conferees take the final step to Australian citizenship in front of a crowd of 70 people at Lakes Entrance Mechanics Hall.

Citizenship ceremonies are officiated by East Gippsland Shire Council on behalf of the Australian Government.

Those taking part in the ceremony hailed from Hong Kong, China, India, United Kingdom, Philippines and Malaysia.

Citizenship ceremonies involve candidates pledging support for Australia by reciting an Affirmation or Oath and receiving their citizenship certificate. All guests can then participate in the final section of the ceremony by reciting the Australian citizen affirmation and singing the national anthem.

Cr Mendy Urie conducted the ceremony, which can be viewed on council’s YouTube channel.

“Citizenship ceremonies are one of the highlights on our civic calendar. Our new citizens have not only decided to call Australia home, but also East Gippsland,” Cr Urie said.

“It was a pleasure to conduct today’s ceremony and to see more family and friends able to witness this special event in person after smaller ceremonies were unfortunately required last year,” Cr Urie said.

All new citizens receive a native plant as a gift from council to mark the special occasion.

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