General News
1 August, 2025
Shire welcomes new citizens
Eight of the Central Goldfields Shire’s newest citizens were officially welcomed at a Citizenship Ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
The eight conferees from Nepal, United Kingdom (UK), Thailand, Philippines and Kenya formally pledged their commitment to Australia at the Maryborough Community Hub.
After they individually announced their pledge to those attending, Central Goldfields Shire councillors awarded them their certificates and a gift.
For all eight new citizens, each had a different reason to officially call Australia their home.
Sushmita Karki and Rammy Jha were born in Nepal. Their love of the freedom and way of life Australia has given them is why they wanted to become citizens.
“Australia has given me freedom and independence and that is what I always wanted,” Ms Karki said.
Ms Jha felt the same way.
“The one thing I like about Australia is the quality of life, and that includes everything, and that is the main reason why I wanted to be an Australian citizen,” she said.
Born in Thailand, Nuntiya Johnston said she came to Australia and met her husband, but her love of “everything” else made her want to stay for a lifetime.
“There are good ways to live. There is nice weather, everything is nice, the people are nice. Good foods, like Vegemite. And for my husband too,” she said.
Born in Kenya, Hellen John wanted to make her citizenship official when she built a life within her local churches.
“After I moved, I was invited to one of the churches here. I soon got married to their pastor. When I got married, I changed my visa. I was ordained as a pastor last year, and I was given a church here,” she said.
“Australia has favoured me a lot, I have been a pastor in Maryborough and Beaufort, and even had people come from Melbourne to be at this ceremony. It just shows how people have loved me, and I really love them. I feel great to be part of this community.”
For some of the recipients, the ceremony was the final step in making their citizenship official, after calling Australia home for many years.
Maria Laodenio from the Philippines already set up her life in Australia, and felt the time was right to formally become a citizen.
“My daughter is here, and my partner and I are planning to bring my children here. I have been here for almost 12 years and my friends always told me ‘why not get a citizenship?’ I can’t go back to my home country, my passport has expired. So I decided to apply for citizenship,” she said.
For Deborah Stedwell, the change over from being a UK citizen to an Australian citizen took 45 years.
“I love the diversity and all of the cultures. Also the personalities, how happy and welcoming everyone is. You can go to other countries but you don’t get that. You can walk down the street here and somebody says ‘hi’,” she said.
“Also, my children are Australian. My grandchildren are Australian. So I have left it a long time, before I have gone through the process, but I am really glad.
“Other things get in the way, but finally you have to say ‘no, it’s time I actually sit down and get this done’.”
For Paul Bennett, originally from the UK, becoming a citizen was a promise he kept to his late father.
“My dad did do it many years ago, and I wanted to do it, but I never got around to it. I noticed my dad declining over four or five years. Before his passing, he wanted me to become an aussie, and I’ve been able to do it,” he said.
“That was his last legacy. I have wanted to support his wishes and what he wanted. It is the best country in the world, why wouldn’t you want to become an Australian citizen and represent your people?”
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella said officiating the Citizenship Ceremony was an honour and highlight as her role as mayor.
“Citizenship ceremonies are a special occasion where we come together to celebrate our newest citizens who have chosen Australia as the place they wish to call home. It’s an important step for the conferees as it represents a commitment to Australia,” she said.
“On behalf of our local community we congratulate our newest citizens on making their pledge and commitment to Australia.”
By becoming citizens, they can now register on the electoral roll and vote and serve on a jury.
Central Goldfields Shire Council administer Citizenship Ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Ceremonies are usually held twice a year.
Attending a Citizenship Ceremony is the final step in the journey to become an Australian citizen and receiving a Certificate of Australian Citizenship.
The ceremony fulfills the requirements under Australian citizenship law and provides an opportunity for council to officially welcome its new citizens.