Swan Hill Rural City Council welcomed 30 residents as new Australian citizens in ceremonies held at Robinvale and Swan Hill as part of local Australia Day celebrations.
Speaking at the ceremonies, Mayor, Stuart King, emphasised the significance of everyone’s journey to becoming an Australian citizen.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: leading our Citizenship Ceremonies is one of the most rewarding aspects of being Mayor,” he said.
“At each event, I am deeply honoured to hear the stories from our new residents about what it means to them and how life-changing this milestone can be.
“For one family recently, it means they can now travel overseas to visit a relative who is unwell, something that was previously a huge challenge due to difficulties in returning to Australia. These are the simple freedoms that we often take for granted.”
Mayor King also acknowledged challenges faced by those on their path to being granted Australian Citizenship.
“The administrative processes involved in becoming an Australian citizen are really quite complex. From meeting strict eligibility requirements to navigating lengthy waiting periods and passing the citizenship test, the journey is not easy. This is in addition to the significant challenges many faces in physically reaching our beautiful, lucky country in the first place.”
“These ceremonies are a testament to the determination and resilience of our new citizens.
“The ceremony not only celebrated the journey of these 30 individuals to becoming citizens but also reaffirmed our commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity within our community.
Mayor King extended a heartfelt welcome to all the new citizens.
“I welcome our new citizens and sincerely thank them for choosing to call our municipality home. Citizenship ceremonies not only mark the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these 30 individuals but also signify the enduring spirit of inclusivity and belonging that defines our wonderful municipality,” he said.
