Smiles all around: Australia's newest 23 citizens at the citizenship ceremony in Cobram. Photo: Rhonda Doyle.
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Family and friends gathered at the Cobram Civic Centre on the evening of Australian Citizenship Day to celebrate the initiation of almost two dozen new Australian citizens.
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Australia’s newest citizens hailed from around the world, including places as diverse as Myanmar, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The event, held on Tuesday, September 17, was officiated by the Moira Shire Council panel of administrators, consisting of chair Dr Graeme Emonson and Ms Suzanna Sheed.
“Our community is stronger and richer thanks to the diversity of our people. Citizenship ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian and to celebrate those who have chosen to make this country home,” Dr Emonson said.
“We take this opportunity to welcome all our new citizens and extend, on behalf of the Moira Shire community, best wishes for a happy and successful future as citizens of Australia.”
Mohamed Ashkir of Nathalia was one of the 23 new citizens at the ceremony.
Administrator Suzanna Sheed with Mohamed Ashkir of Nathalia and Chair Administrator Dr Emonson.
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Owen Sinclair
“I’m feeling very good, very happy,” Mr Ashkir said.
Since relocating from Hamilton, New Zealand, Mr Ashkir has worked as a slaughter man at Ryan Meat Company in Nathalia for the past seven years.
Another new citizen, Dr Myint Luwin of Yarrawonga, said he was very excited to receive Australian citizenship.
“I’m very proud to be an Australian.”
Dr Luwin has lived in Australia with his wife for fourteen years after relocating from Myanmar in 2010.
A general practitioner at the Yarrawonga Medical Clinic, Dr Luwin and his wife have spent the past decade in Yarrawonga.
Dr Luwin said the longer he lived in Australia, the more he came to wish to call it home.
He said that he enjoys working and living in Yarrawonga and that hopes to continue doing so for a long time.
Shayne MacIntyre of Cobram has called Australia home for over two decades.
Administrator Suzanna Sheed, Shane MacIntyre and Chair Administrator Dr Emonson.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Now, his citizenship is official.
A former president of the Cobram Barooga Apex Club, Mr MacIntyre has long been a big part of the community after 21 years living in Cobram.
He now lives in Katunga, where he provides IT support to dairy farmers.
Mr MacIntyre’s brother will be receiving his citizenship in six months.
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