Council & Business
30 January, 2026
New citizens welcomed
The community welcomed the Central Goldfields Shire’s newest Australian citizens this week, whose stories began in all corners of the globe.
Despite starting life in distant nations, from Australia’s nearby neighbour New Zealand through to the Philippines and Jamaica, 13 residents came together on Australia Day to receive their citizenship.
The ceremony held on Monday was attended by representatives from across government, including Central Goldfields Shire Council mayor Ben Green, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, and Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur, who spoke on what it means to be an Australian citizen.
“Citizenship is not just a certificate. It’s a personal choice to belong to a country, to this country, to this Australia,” Ms McArthur said.
“In Australia, your future is not decided by who your parents are, what your background is, where you started in life. It’s decided by your character, your effort, and your willingness to contribute to society.
“Citizenship does not end with a ceremony. It is proven over a lifetime through service, contribution, and the care for others.”
Among the new citizens to hear that speech was Conor Downey, from the United Kingdom, whose fondness for country living brought him to the shire last year after almost eight years in Australia.
A self-described “city boy” from London and later Melbourne, he realised he was spending his week planning regional adventures for the weekend.
Eventually, he decided to buy a house in Carisbrook, where he plans to live for years to come.
“It was actually the house that brought me here, but since moving here, I do love the community and the area,” he said.
Despite the tree change, his sprawling home renovation project has kept him busy.
“I’ve got no time to slow down, it’s just been full gear here,” he said.
Mr Downey works as an education consultant, offering expert advice on academic pathways for students and parents, inspired by his own experiences as a struggling youth.
“I wasn’t the most academic, I did struggle with dyslexia and some learning challenges there, that’s how I found that pathway,” he said.
“What I’m doing now ... it’s rewarding.”
Also receiving her citizenship this week was Iris Maria Galeano-kilmaster from Colombia.
When she arrived in Australia in 2022, joining her mum who also received her citizenship on Monday, Ms Galeano-kilmaster had to overcome an education challenge of her own.
“I didn’t know any English when I first came and I had to learn by listening to my parents talking and by going to school. Because I got put into school immediately, I had to learn English really quickly,” she said.
Having met and overcome this challenge, Ms Galeano-kilmaster now balances two ways of life.
“Both Australian and Colombian cultures are very strong in a sense and sometimes they clash a lot, so it’s hard to keep that in balance,” she said.
“The culture is different, the food is different, the people are very different, but it’s been a very good experience. It’s nice to know different cultures.”
On Australia Day, she championed that balance by receiving her Australian citizenship, something she was excited for, while wearing a traditional Colombian dress.
“Normally people wear it for the traditional dance and I just thought I’d wear it to honour my country,” she said.
Receiving an Australian citizenship was also a personal milestone for Mr Downey.
“I just felt proud after I was able to say those words and become a citizen,” he said.