29 January 2018

Gunnedah joined towns and regions across the country in welcoming the nation’s newest citizens on Australia Day.

The Villamin family from the Philippines, Mr Allen Villamin, Mrs Lorena Villamin, Ms Airene Villamin (13), and twin boys Alex and Ace Villamin (4), pledged their loyalty to Australia on Friday morning.

Mr Villamin moved to Australia in 2008 for an employment opportunity as a mechanic, with wife Lorena and daughter Airene following two years later. The family later welcomed twins Alex and Ace and have called Gunnedah home for the past 10 months.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey presided over the ceremony and said citizenship is a public commitment to embracing Australian values.

“This is the biggest privilege as a Mayor – to give those people that have chosen Australia, not only as their home, but a place to be proud of and to raise their families, the opportunity to become Australian Citizens,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Citizenship brings responsibilities and duties – to obey the laws, to register on the Electoral Roll to vote, to serve on a jury if called to do so, and to defend Australia should the need arise.

“Citizenship also brings civil and social rights – the right to express your cultural heritage and beliefs coupled with a responsibility to accept the rights of others to express their heritage and beliefs,” he said.

“Our ceremony recognises that citizenship is a common bond made meaningful because it embraces an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all people.”

Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 56 adults and 10 children as Australian Citizens, which includes the Villamin family.

Photo Caption: Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Lorena Villamin, Airene Villamin, Allen Villamin and Mayor Jamie Chaffey. Front: Ace and Alex Villamin.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.