Eleven residents from Cape Woolamai, Cowes, Wonthaggi and Inverloch became Australian citizens at the Bass Coast Shire Council Citizenship Ceremony held on 20 July 2011.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, welcomed the participants and the large crowd of friends and family who came to show their support and enjoy the ceremony. “Making the decision and commitment to become an Australian citizen is a courageous step and something that each person would have put a lot of thought into,” said Cr Dowman.
“Our new citizens originated from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom,” said Cr Dowman.
As part of the formalites, each candidate came forward to read their pledge, and was then handed their Australian Citizen Certificate and gifts which included an Australian native plant.
Steven Piasente, Community and Economic Development Director presided over the occasion. Candidates apply for Citizenship to the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship; however it is Council’s responsibility to hold the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies on a regular basis throughout the year.
“This event is a way to formally welcome new citizens to their place of residence and to Australia, and it is an honour for us to have this role.” said Mr Piasente.
The event was also attended by Crs Gareth Barlow, Peter Paul, John Duscher and the Hon Ken Smith MLA, Member for Bass. Also present were the 2011 Australia Day award winners.
The next Bass Coast Shire Council Citizenship Ceremony will be held on 26 October 2011.
Bass Coast Shire Council Australian Citizenship ceremony.
(L to R) Mr Galhenage Alwis, Ms Sahira Santa and daughter, Ms Nadisha Mallawarachchi, Mr Ryan Bowler -Young Citizen of the Year, Ms Caroline Talbot - Citizen of the Year, Hon Ken Smith MLA - Member for Bass, Mr Alan Fraser - Environmental Ambassador of the Year, Steven Piasente - Community and Economic Development Director, Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, Cr Gareth Barlow, Mr Hector Hiberto, Mr Heitor Hilberto, Ms Sonia Hilberto, Miss Ratchanee Tanbumrung, Mrs Renatah Pereira and Mr Victor Santos