The Thomas family are the latest members of the Mount Gambier community to become Australian citizens following a citizenship ceremony held on Thursday 2 August at the Council chambers.
Originally from India, Reji Thomas, Juanita John, Mishael Thomas and Jessica Thomas made the Australian citizenship oath, pledging their loyalty to Australia at the ceremony. The ceremony was conducted by Mayor Andrew Lee and Acting CEO Judy Nagy and featured students from St Martin's Lutheran College singing the Australian National Anthem.
Conducting citizenship ceremonies is one of the highlights of my duties as Mayor, it is quite moving to see the joy on the faces of those who make the Pledge of Commitment as the final step on their journey to become an Australian citizen.- Mayor Andrew Lee
The Thomas family were joined by a large group of friends and City of Mount Gambier Councillors Ian Von Stanke, Christian Greco, General Manager Community Wellbeing Barbara Cernovskis and General Manager Council Business Services Pamela Lee, as well as District Council of Grant Councillors Alan Hill and Julie Reis and CEO David Singe.
Soroptimist Mount Gambier were also in attendance continuting their tradition of presenting candidates with a gift to welcome them as new Australian citizens.
“I feel very honoured to welcome our new citizens as formal members of the Australian community and as members of our local community,” Mayor Lee said.
Photo credit: Astyn Reid of Kinship Productions
