29 January 2019

Gunnedah joined towns and regions across the country in welcoming the nation’s newest citizens on Australia Day 2019 at a ceremony near the Dorothea Mackellar Statue, Anzac Park.

Rebecca Joyce, of Ireland; Reinier Coetzee, Linda Nortje, Marlon Martin, Riana Martin, Jude Martin, and Tre Martin, all of South Africa, pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people on Saturday morning.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey presided over the ceremony and said it was great to see so many local community members present to share in the celebration.

“This is the biggest privilege as 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.

“There are many benefits to welcoming International community members into our Shire, including enriching social cohesion and promoting multiculturalism. We are blessed to live in a community that embraces cultural diversity and the fresh ideas and unique stories from all over the world that our new citizens bring.”

Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 69 adults and 11 children as Australian Citizens. Citizens were gifted with a native tree from Gunnedah Shire Council to mark the occasion.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire welcomed seven new Australian Citizens on Australia Day. Pictured from left: Rebecca Joyce, Linda Nortje, Reinier Coetzee, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Tre Martin, Riana Martin, Jude Martin, Marlon Martin, and the Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.