Cr Gareth Barlow, Mr Israel Nagar, Mr Serge Savannah, Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman and Ms Alice and Mr Geoffrey Trigg

Four new citizens received a warm reception at the citizenship ceremony held at the Bass Coast Civic Centre last night.

Our new citizens originally hailed from Israel, France and the United Kingdom and are now based in Wonthaggi and Cowes. The ceremony was attended by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, Cr Peter Paul, Cr Gareth Barlow and Bass Coast Shire Council Directors. Our 2011 Citizen of the Year, Caroline Talbot and Bruce and Sheila Campbell who won the 2011 Family Achievement Award joined family and friends of the new citizens to welcome them to Australia.

Cr Dowman congratulated Mr Israel Nagar, Mr Serge Savannah and Ms Alice and Mr Geoffrey Trigg on choosing Australia as their new home.

“I acknowledge that the citizenship ceremony is not only a big step to make but also an emotional one,” said Cr Dowman.

“I am sure you are aware of what a wonderful place Australia is and we are very glad to have you as part of our Bass Coast community.”

The new citizens received a citizenship certificate, an Australian native plant and a Bass Coast gift bag and enjoyed light refreshments with family and friends after the ceremony.