NINE new Aussies were freshly minted in Moree on Monday when they proudly said ‘g’day, mate’ at the Moree Plains Australia Day citizenship ceremony at at Jellicoe Park.

Deputy mayor, Wayne Tighe, and general manager, Natalia Cowley, welcomed the shire’s newest citizens from India, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Ireland, Estonia and Germany.

“This ceremony marks a very special moment for those becoming Australian citizens, and for those sharing the occasion,” Ms Cowley said.

“This is a significant step to take, and I’m proud to know you have chosen Moree Plains as a place to call home.

“Becoming an Australian citizen does not mean forgetting your country of birth or the country where you grew up, or its customs and culture.

“What it means is a public commitment to embracing Australian values and institutions, and bringing to them the enrichment of diversity,” she said.

“Citizenship brings responsibilities and duties – to obey the laws, vote, serve on a jury, and defend Australia.

“It also brings civil and social rights and the right to express your individual cultural heritage and beliefs coupled with a responsibility to accept the rights of others to express their heritage and beliefs,” Ms Cowley said.

Deputy mayor Wayne Tighe delivered the Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia ceremony before a large crowd.

“I congratulate each of you on your decision to become an Australian citizen,” Cr Tighe said.

“Making this pledge is the final step in becoming Australian citizens, and I know this is a very special day for all of you.”

Jai, Ekta and Aradhya Sharma from India, Hannah Berghan and David and William Dyer from the United Kingdom, Cam Nguyen from Vietnam, Paul McDonald from Ireland and Ines Wegner from Germany stood proudly as they pledged their allegiance.

Britta Radivojevic from Estonia was unable to attend the ceremony.

“You are about to undertake a new commitment, a new responsibility, and a new status here in Australia and wherever you may travel in the world,” Cr Tighe said.

“It is a status of which you may be proud, a status in a nation which is vigorous and independent.

“Australia’s heritage is made richer by contributions from people from many lands.

“Today’s Australia has been built from the combined contributions of our indigenous people and those who have come here from all over the world,” he said.

“We accept and respect cultures and traditions of newcomers and, in return, expect they also accept the cultural differences they find here.

“While we embrace and celebrate the diversity of the Australian people, we also aim to build a cohesive and unified nation of people.

“Australian citizenship lies at the heart of a nation founded on all-round equality,” Cr Tighe said.

Moree’s newest Australian citizens were presented citizenship certificates and gift-packs, and warmly welcomed to the fold by the large gathering of Moree residents.

“On behalf of the people of Australia, and Moree, I congratulate our new citizens for the commitment they have made to being part of Australia’s future, and I hope you all have a happy, successful and healthy future as citizens of Australia,” Cr Tighe said.

2026 Moree Plains Shire Australia Day award winners

Citizen of the Year: Todd Mitchell

Young Citizen of the Year: Corey Scriven

Volunteer of the Year: Michael McNamara

Sports Person of the Year: Gabrielle Suckling

Young Sports Person of the Year: Isabella Boland

Community Event of the Year: The Sound of Music

Community Volunteer Group of the Year: Moree Parkrun