Ten Bass Coast residents had an extra reason to celebrate Australia Day this year, as they became Australian citizens.  Citizenships ceremonies were held as part of the official Australia Day celebrations in Wonthaggi and Cowes.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, welcomed the new citizens, congratulating them on their decision to become Australian citizens.
“I am very pleased to welcome you formally into our community on a day when we celebrate what it means to be Australian.  This is an important day for Australia and a very important one for you and your families.”

Eight new citizens were sworn in at the Wonthaggi event and two in Cowes.  The new citizens received a citizenship certificate, an Australian native plant and a Bass Coast gift bag.

Wonthaggi citizenship ceremony:
Mrs Suveena Angelucci of Bass (born in Thailand)
Mr Devakumar Jayakumar of Wonthaggi (born in India)
Mr Neil Jordan of Wonthaggi (born in Scotland)
The Jury family - Michael, Cheryl and Megan of Cape Paterson (born in South Africa)
Mr Jason Pribadi of Wonthaggi (born in Indonesia)
Mrs Gislene Stewart of Wonthaggi (born in Brazil)

Cowes citizenship ceremony:
Dr Zarli Kyaw of Wonthaggi (born in Myanmar, also known as Burma)
Mrs Marcia Wilson of San Remo (born in Scotland)