Council
5 November, 2025
New citizens welcomed
IT was almost a full house at the Killara Centre in Camperdown last Tuesday evening when a number of new Australians made their citizenship pledge.
Corangamite Shire Council staff were sent scurrying for more chairs when about 60 friends and family members came to support a strong number of new citizens.
Corangamite Shire mayor councillor Kate Makin officiated the ceremony.
She said the new citizens are Brooke Healey, Gareth Jones, Nipunika Kahaduwa, Dominic Holswich, Holly Levett, Michael Reyes and Dior Reyes, Nicola Sharp and Maria Smythe.
“They have joined us from Egypt, The Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the UK,” Cr Makin said.
“Each new Australian received their official citizenship certificate from the Federal Government, a gift bag and a native plant to symbolise their growth, new life and putting down new roots in Australia.
“Council hosts four citizenship ceremonies a year.
“The ceremonies previously occurred during council meetings, but the format changed this time to being a standalone event, allowing new citizens and their guests to stay and socialise over a cuppa.”
To learn about the citizenship process, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen.