Benalla Rural City Council proudly welcomed 13 new Australian citizens during a special citizenship ceremony held on Tuesday 16 September at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre.
The newest citizens, from seven different countries including India, New Zealand, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Netherlands, and the Philippines, were officially welcomed by Benalla Rural City Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn, who presided over the ceremony.
We congratulate and welcome: Jojo Kunnarathu George, Bethany Lauridsen, Huiyan Cai, Kim Podhaczky, Carmelita Cortes, Isarree Panthawong, Pongpat Panthawong, Shiny Babu, Jijin Jose, Hayza Jijin, Glenda Villanueva, Gleniel Villanueva, and Gino Villanueva.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said it was a privilege to preside over the ceremony and officially welcome the newest members of the Benalla community.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone, and it’s an honour to celebrate this achievement with 13 proud new citizens,” Cr Hearn said.
“Citizenship Ceremonies are always a highlight of my role as Mayor – it’s wonderful to witness the joy and pride on such a special day.”
Australian citizenship ceremonies are an important tradition, welcoming new citizens to our community and to our nation. Since the first ceremony in January 1949, millions have taken this meaningful step.
Benalla Rural City Council congratulates all our newest citizens and wishes them every success in this exciting new chapter of their lives.