Benalla’s newest citizens welcomed at art gallery event

By Contributed

Jul 5, 2024

North East Multicultural Association representative Brian Hill and Benalla mayor Danny Claridge with the Rose City's newest Australian citizens. Photo by Contributed

The Rose City is home to seven new Australian citizens following a special Citizenship Ceremony at Benalla Art Gallery.

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Benalla Rural City mayor Danny Claridge conducted the ceremony, where local residents took the Australian Citizenship pledge, on Thursday, June 20.

The following individuals made the citizenship pledge:

Xiaoyan (Yancy) Brown,
Naphatsanun Ingram,
Thep-Arak Worasethakorn,
Artur Nils Michael Nylen,
Nuru Nakitto,
Emily Parton,
Caroline Wiszowaty and
Chantevy Yiv.

Cr Claridge expressed his delight in welcoming Benalla’s newest citizens to the community.

“Today we have new Australian citizens that have come here from far and wide,” he said.

“These families and individuals hail from six different countries, including China, Thailand, Sweden, Uganda, Cambodia and the UK, and each will add strength and diversity to our country and community.”

Brian Hill, representing the North East Multicultural Association, an organisation dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, joined the mayor as part of the formal ceremony to present the new citizens with a welcome gift.