New citizens welcomed from afar

Due to Covid restrictions, this year’s Bass Coast Shire Australia Day citizenship ceremony was a little different.

Protocols in place limited the number of people able to attend the event to witness their loved ones becoming citizens.

As well as six people who undertook the ceremony on Australia Day, Bass Coast Shire Council also welcome four citizens who took their pledge virtually last year.

Former president of the Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary Club, John Tennant, was one of the newly welcomed citizens.

“Citizenship ceremonies provide a great opportunity to talk to people about the reasons they have chosen to make Bass Coast their home, and to celebrate the diversity that they bring which enriches and strengthens our community,” said Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari.

Australian Citizenship is overseen by the Department of Home Affairs, and there is a requirement for local councils to host a Citizenship Ceremony on January 26.

“However, our events are given a Bass Coast focus,” Cr Tessari said.

“Council has the ability to control what is included in the ceremony outside of the legislative requirements, such as acknowledgement of our First Nations People.

“It is a great honour to make such an acknowledgement and we do it with the utmost respect.”