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12 October 2022
Horsham Rural City Council has officially welcomed our newest Australian citizens to the community.
Eleven people from seven different countries were formally granted Australian citizenship at Horsham Civic Centre last month.
Countries of origin included the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Canada, Italy, India and Iran.
Among them was Marie-Claude Gagne, who moved to Australia from Canada more than 10 years ago.
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She attended the ceremony with her partner Jaye Macumber and their children Eva, Felix and Henry.
“It’s actually awesome to become a citizen. It makes you realise the journey that you’ve been through to become a citizen and all the things you’ve accomplished,” Ms Gagne said.
“It gives our family the same, shared identity.
“It brings a deeper connection to the country.”
Ms Gagne retains her Canadian citizenship.
When asked about the progress of her ‘Aussie accent’, she responded: “You tell me.
“I’m still learning Australian English almost on a weekly basis.
“There will be a word or slang popping through and I’ll think what does that mean? It’s a continual journey.”
The council officiates the ceremonies on behalf of the Federal Government and all new citizens receive a native plant as a gift from the council to mark the special occasion.
The entire October 12, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
