18 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed its newest Australian citizens on Australian Citizenship Day.

Citizenship ceremonies were held around the country yesterday to mark the day, including a ceremony for four new Aussies in Gunnedah.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said it was a “great honour” to officiate at the ceremony that welcomed Marcelo Correa da Silva, Simoni Cristina Franquini da Silva, Olivia Cristina Franquini da Silva and Trung Dinh Vong as Australian citizens.

“It’s a wonderful step,” Cr Hooke said.

“This is part of the greatest honour anyone can bestow on someone is to make them an Australian citizen.”

Mr and Mrs da Silva moved to Australia in 2010 when Mr da Silva was asked to be part of the maintenance department at the Gunnedah Leather Processors, where he has remained employed for nearly 10 years. He and Mrs da Silva have been involved in community groups including Apex Gunnedah and Rotary Club Gunnedah West, and have been active members of Gunnedah Catholic Church. They have had two children since moving to Gunnedah.

Mr Vong came to Australian in 2013, fell in love with Gunnedah and has made it his home.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors welcome the da Silva family and Mr Vong as Australian citizens in a ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.