A low key Australia Day ceremony was held at Moss Vale Services Club on January 26 to welcome new citizens.
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The Australia Day parade held in the historic village of Berrima was cancelled this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
More than 20 new citizens were welcomed into Australia and Wingecarribee Shire on the Australia Day ceremony with people originating from the United Kingdom, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Ireland, Cambodia, Switzerland, Iran and Wales.
New citizen Linesh Gurung decided to apply for citizenship in 2019. He originally came from Nepal and has lived in Australia for 11 years.
Mr Gurung said becoming a citizen was important to him and began his application in 2019.
"It's good for the next generation such as my son," he said,
"It's very good, everything is different here.
"Everyone in Nepal goes abroad and friends recommended Australia."
Mr Gurung came to Australia as a student and hasn't looked back.
"Australia is a beautiful place," he said.
"At first I lived in Sydney but it's very crowded. I like the Highlands.
"There's more space and more family time here."
Mr Gurung was joined by his six-year old son Sazal who also became an Australian citizen.
Mayor Duncan Gair said his favourite mayoral duty was welcoming new citizens.
"Australia is a country with great opportunities available to all of us as part of our contemporary, diverse, egalitarian and democratic nation," he said.
"I know you will join me and welcome them to our shire. On behalf of Wingecarribee Shire Council, I extend a warm Australia Day welcome to each of you and encourage you all to take a moment to reflect, respect and celebrate this Australia Day."
Cr Gair said Australian Citizenship was an important milestone in a person's life. "It is an occasion to celebrate and there is something extra special about becoming a citizen on Australia Day," he said.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
