Murrumbidgee Council Welcomes New Citizens Helette and Gabriel

Murrumbidgee Council officially welcomed two new Australian citizens who have chosen to call Australia, and Darlington Point, their home.

At a Citizenship Ceremony held in Jerilderie on Friday, October 25, Mayor Ruth McRae officiated on behalf of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Tony Burke MP to welcome Helette Ferreira and Gabriel Garcia.

Mrs Ferreira is originally from South Africa while Mr Garcia hails from Uruguay.

In a heat-warming speech, Mr Garcia said he had been waiting for more than seven years for this day.

“Since the moment I arrived in Australia I wanted to stay,” Mr Garcia said.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey but I am proud of myself and I thank all the people that accompanied me.”

Mrs Ferreira said she was very excited to receive her citizenship and thanked Mayor Ruth McRae and her team for making the ceremony a truly special occasion. .

“It is always a good feeling to feel part of my community, but receiving Australian Citizenship does make those of us that were born in a different country, feel like we belong and are a part of this great nation,” Mrs Ferreira said.

“The fact that Australia allows us to share citizenship with our birth country is an honour and a true testament of the multicultural facet of Australia and its people.

“I am happy to call Australia my country of choice.”

Mayor McRae, who always enjoys welcoming new citizens, congratulated Mrs Ferreira and Mr Garcia on their citizenship.

“On behalf of Murrumbidgee Council, I warmly congratulate you both for officially becoming Australian citizens and wish you all the very best for the future,” Mayor McRae said.

Murrumbidgee Council holds several citizenship ceremonies throughout the year, providing an opportunity for individuals to pledge their loyalty to Australia and become an Australian citizen.

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• Local Council