Becoming Aussie proves a hit in South Gippsland

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council proudly welcomed the region’s newest official Aussies at a Citizenship Ceremony held on Wednesday in the Leongatha Memorial Hall.

In a far larger than usual ceremony, 43 conferees from Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa, Philippines, United Kingdom, Thailand and the Netherlands formally pledged their commitment to Australia, surrounded by family, friends and community members.

The event celebrated not only an important personal milestone for the new citizens, but also the rich cultural diversity that continues to strengthen and enrich South Gippsland.

“Congratulations to our newest Australian citizens; it was a pleasure to be part of such a special occasion, and it was clear how much becoming an Australian citizen meant to each of them,” Mayor Nathan Hersey said.

One of those new citizens, Ingrid Leeuwdrent from the Netherlands, spoke about the significance of the occasion, becoming an Australian Citizen after 27 years living in the country.

“It’s about the sense of belonging and Australia really feels like home now; my partner and I have travelled extensively in this country, but we always come back to South Gippsland – we love having four seasons each year,” she said.

Council CEO Allison Jones was delighted to welcome so many new Aussies, declaring, “This is the biggest ceremony I’ve been involved in,” noting the continued involvement of the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band makes the evening even more special.

“This is the happiest part of my job as your Federal member,” Mary Aldred of the Monash electorate said, thanking the new citizens for choosing Australia and acknowledging many have already contributed greatly to the country.

Three of the now Australian Citizens have lived in the nation for over 50 years, one for 59 years.

Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath spoke of the inspiration of the Southern Cross constellation, and praised the new citizens for choosing Australia, reminding them citizenship is both an honour and a responsibility.

“You will enrich this nation as you already have,” she said.

Members of the Co family from the Philippines arrived in Australia in 2021 via New Zealand, Sentinel-Times chatting to John John Sagun Co and Jollibee Co and hearing they are proud to live in Australia and that the dairy industry here is more relaxed and offers better work-life balance than in New Zealand.

Kiwis Gary and Maria Barker became dinkum Aussies on Wednesday, being well-established Stony Creek dairy farmers, a big change in lifestyle from Gary’s days as a research scientist in their homeland.

While official proceedings took longer than usual with so many new citizens, they and their families and friends then savoured the occasion with a tasty selection of food that included some Aussie favourites but not our national spread, Vegemite perhaps a bridge too far for some of the new Australians.