Benalla's newest Australian citizens were welcomed at a ceremony at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre.
Benalla Rural City Council proudly welcomed 23 new Australian citizens during a special citizenship ceremony held on Tuesday, July 7 at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre.
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The newest citizens, from eight different countries including Botswana, China, India, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, were officially welcomed by Benalla Bernie Hearn, who presided over the ceremony.
Minura Gunasinghe is one of Benalla's newest Australian citizens.
Benalla’s newest Aussie citizens are Jezza Mae Arroz, Alexandra Bowman, Kevin Brooks, Charlene Cummings, Keith Forrester, Minura Gunasinghe, Joby Joseph, Hui Ping Lim, Manjul Prateeti, Shivaang Oberoi, Annabelle Radford, Subhajit Saha, Aparajita Talapatra, Aishani Saha, Sambodhi Saha, Kevin Renzo Sevilla, Ma Zaira Sevilla, Amer Tawfik, Aileen Turla, Lizlyn Villestas, Gofaone Wantwa, Rensong Zong and Zhixian Zong.
Benalla Mayor, Bernie Hearn, said it was a privilege to preside over the ceremony and officially welcome the newest members of the Benalla community.
Aparajita Talapatra, Sambodhi Saha, Aishani Saha and Subhajit Saha at Benalla Rural City's citizenship ceremony on July 7.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone, and it’s an honour to celebrate this achievement with 23 proud new citizens,” Cr Hearn said.
“Citizenship ceremonies are always a highlight of my role as Mayor – it’s wonderful to witness the joy and pride on such a special day.”
New Australian citizen Zhixian Zong and Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn.
Australian citizenship ceremonies are an important tradition, welcoming new citizens to our community and to our nation.
Since the first ceremony in January 1949, millions have taken this meaningful step.
Benalla Rural City Council congratulates all our newest citizens and wishes them every success in this exciting new chapter of their lives.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn with Alexandra Bowman, Lizlyn Villestas, Hui Ping Lim, Minura Gunasingha, Annabelle Radford and Manjul Prateet.
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