NERVES, happy faces and tears could be observed around the room as 25 candidates took part in a citizenship ceremony last week.
The new citizens affirmed their full and formal membership as part of the community of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Conducted by Wellington Shire Council, the ceremony took place in the Wellington Room at the Port of Sale, with introductions from Council chief executive David Morcom.
Mayor Ian Bye acted as Presiding Officer as part of the Pledge of Commitment, and presented the candidates with their Citizenship Certificates.
Council has conducted citizenship ceremonies for 145 new citizens in 2022.
Mr Morcom said that, as the country was in a period of mourning, councils had been advised to continue displaying a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at citizenship ceremonies.
The second-to-last group to receive citizenship was the Tagayuna family from the Philippines, who now reside in Boisdale.
Photo: Wellington Shire Council
Christopher Tagayuna said the family was very happy to be new Australians.
“I want to say thank you Australia for giving us the chance to become Australian citizens,” he said.
“We like it here and people are very welcoming… I’m speechless.
“We will be working very hard to achieve our dream. We want to work hard for the house and be useful for the community.”
Chloe Tagayuna said she felt very nervous when she was saying the pledge, but was very thankful to have her citizenship.
“I missed some of the words because I was just so nervous,” she said with a smile.
Christopher said he was saddened by the Queen’s death.
“We’re sad, because The Queen, as far as I can remember, gave us Filipinos the honour to serve people from Britain,” he said.
“That’s why I feel we’re very grateful for The Queen to have us.”
Photo: Stefan Bradley
