Council
22 July, 2026
New citizens welcomed
CORANGAMITE Shire held a special ceremony in Camperdown to welcome 26 new residents last week.
They came from a wide range of countries including Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, The Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
Among the new citizens were Ya-Jen Chuang, Kate Moore, Yi Chien Lee, Alyn, Gina and Joshua Tugade.
Hannah, Kenji, Howard, Joaquin and Cody Guillermo were also welcomed as new residents alongside Joseph Newton.
Frederick, Maria and Paul Dela Rosa enjoyed their official introduction as Australian citizens, as well as Antonella Agostina Di Santo, Agustin Turiello, Ya-Wen Hsu, Anthony Keith Hudson, Chanika Khiawphilap, Svenja Malis and Chayakan and Thannawat Manasri.
Corangamite Shire mayor Kate Makin officiated over proceedings, leading the groups as they read the pledge.
“I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey,” the new residents said.
Cr Makin said it was a privilege to formalise the new citizens’ place in the Australian community.
“Every citizenship ceremony is unique because every person has their own journey to becoming Australian,” she said.
“It was incredibly special to witness 26 people take that final step and pledge their commitment to this country.
“Sharing that moment with them and their families is something I’ll always value.”
Cr Makin read a message from Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Tony Burke and Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan made a welcoming speech.
The next citizenship ceremony is scheduled for November10.
To learn about the citizenship process, visit https://immi.homea.