By KATH GANNAWAY
A TOTAL of 118 Yarra Ranges residents became Australian citizens in a colourful and moving citizenship ceremony at Burrinja in Upwey on Wednesday night.
Originating from 24 countries, the Burrinja auditorium was a united nations of people from toddlers to older people, and many in between, from all around Yarra Ranges Shire.
Some had taken the very first opportunity they could to make their pledge to become Australian citizens. Others have lived here for many years and for different reasons have now moved to formalise their Aussie status.
Mayor Fiona McAllister administered the Pledge of Commitment, inviting individuals to make the pledge as either an oath or an affirmation.
She said Australian citizenship was a common bond involving reciprocal rights and obligations which united all Australians while respecting their diversity.
The privileges include the right to vote, to run for government, to enlist in the defence forces and to register children born overseas as Australian citizens.
Obligations, she said, include loyalty to Australia and its people, sharing Australia’s democratic beliefs, upholding and obeying Australian law, and enrolling and voting at elections and referenda.
Wurundjeri woman Julie Kitto did a welcome to country, and Monbulk MP James Merlino and councillors Len Cox, Noel Cliff, Samantha Dunn and Jim Child assisted with the ceremony.
“I am sensitive to the fact that Australia is populated by migrants, from our Indigenous people who travelled land bridges between continents, the first fleeters, to those from many lands who have arrived in more recent times,” Cr McAllister said.
“Be it to improve their life, or in fear of their lives, it had meant that Australians are a tolerant people.”
She said Australia had benefited as a nation because of its ability to accept others.
“We greatly appreciate the commitment made here today,” she said.
Romy and Sonia Singh moved to Australia from India and two-year-old daughter Arleen is already an Aussie. The couple plan on moving to Healesville soon with daughter Arleen who, at two years old, was already an Australian citizen.
Among many Yarra Valley residents also receiving citizenship were Sandra Schoffer from Healesville who came to Australia as a child from Wales, Jaspal Singh and Harpeet Kaur and son Divkiran Singh from Warburton, Ewa Ainsworth, Kosa Krawczyk and Wiktoria Krawczyk from Warburton and WooriYallock resident Raziel Gutierrez Soto, a classical guitarist from Mexico who married Aussie girl Nicole.
Gyannath Seegolam, wife Khosalia Devi and sons Negesh and Hemish came to Seville from Mauritiaus four years ago.
Mr Seegalom said toddler Hemish was born here and they were now all Australian citizens.
“Having citizenship provides more job opportunities and opportunities as well for the kids as they grow up,” he said.
“We all wanted to become citizens so we can enjoy the whole opportunities of Australia, including voting,” he said.
Cr Cliff joined his colleagues in welcoming Yarra Ranges newest citizens with Womenjika a “G’day”.
