The Barkly region is now home to five new Aussies following an Australian Citizenship Ceremony this week.

Barkly Regional Council Mayor Steve Edgington officially swore in Joenard Borondia and his three daughters Faith, Fiona and Freya and Ms Kalyani Pabbineedi as Australian citizens in front of family, friends and peers in the Council Chambers on Monday, 29 October.

 “I am proud to formally welcome our new Australian citizens, and welcome them all to be part of the Barkly community,” the Mayor said.

Pat Brahim presented the Welcome to Country with Deputy Mayor Kris Civitarese and Councillor Jeffrey McLaughlin in attendance to celebrate this special occasion.

Cr Civitarese read the citizenship message on behalf of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman.

In the Mayor’s introduction to all five new citizens, he said making the Australian Citizenship Pledge was the final step in their migration story.

“By becoming an Australian citizen, you are joining our unique national community,” he told them. “Our country has been built on the combined contributions of our Indigenous people and those who came later from all over the world.

“Our stability, our culture and our laws have been shaped by our history. By joining the Australian community you will inherit this history and you will be in a position to contribute to it. Congratulations and welcome.”