General News
14 May, 2022
Council welcomes three new citizens
NATIVES of Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China took the pledge and became Australian citizens at a ceremony on Monday.
NATIVES of Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China took the pledge and became Australian citizens at a ceremony on Monday.
Mayor Jo Armstrong officiated over the citizenship ceremony, saying welcoming new citizens was a celebration of Ararat’s growing community.
“Australian citizenship ceremonies play an important part of our nation’s celebrations and one of my favourite events as Mayor,” Cr Armstrong said.
“Today, we are encouraged to acknowledge what it means to be an Australian, whether by birth or by choice, and to celebrate our newest citizens to call our community home.
“Our history and culture has been forged over thousands of years, first through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and more recently with people from all corners of the globe.
“As Australians, we believe in the freedom and dignity of each individual, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of association,” she said.
Cr Armstrong said the three new Australians all had a different journey to Australia and reasons for joining the Ararat community.
“Congratulations to some of Australia’s newest citizens, Yingchen Chiu, Sze Long Arnold Kwok, and Nai-yun Otte.”
Asian food grocer owner Nai-yun Otte, who with her husband Craig launched their successful business 'House of Nai' in Ararat 18 months ago was one of the people who took the pledge.
“It’s taken almost seven years since arriving to Australia to receive my citizenship; it has taken a very long time but so very much worth it,” Ms Otte said.
“Being able to vote as democracy is so important -- being from Taiwan, we have democracy but nothing like Australia. Being able to participate on so many levels and be involved is exciting, I think some people take for granted but I understand how important it is,” she said.
“It's an honour to finally become a Citizen, I am so excited about the future opportunities ahead,” Ms Otte said.