January 28, 2021

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed its newest Australian citizens at the recent Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, held under the gums at Anzac Park.

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

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said it was a privilege to welcome community members Christiaan Wynand Harmse, Maria Jacomina Harmse, Petronella Cornelia Harmse and Juanito Ocray Maquera into Australian citizenship.

 “As Mayor it is a great honour to officiate the citizenship ceremony and see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We were also fortunate to have the Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning in attendance to present conferees with their Australian Citizenship Certificates and gift of an Australian native plant.

“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s shared values and common future.”

The next citizenship ceremony will be held on Australian Citizenship Day on Friday, 17 September 2021.

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Miss Petronella Cornelia Harmse, Mr Juanito Ocray Maquera, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Mr Christiaan Wynand Harmse, Mrs Maria Jacomina Harmse, the Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke and 2021 Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Ambassador Tim Gavin.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.