One of the most diverse groups of new Australian citizens in the local council’s history was sworn in this week.
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Six residents took their pledges in the warm and welcoming ceremony held in the Town Hall foyer on Monday.
Edward River Council said the conferees represented five different countries, which is rarely seen at a single local ceremony.
The event was conducted by Mayor Ashley Hall, with the new citizens -Thidawan Sankarw, Gordon Philip Qin, Taslima Rahman‑Ali, Sapana Shrestha, Ailin Pinnow, and Lithin Kumar Kandimalla - supported by friends and family.
Cr Hall opened proceedings by speaking about the significance of Australian citizenship, the opportunity to affirm loyalty to Australia, to celebrate the meaning of becoming an Australian, and to acknowledge the decision each participant has made to call the country home.
Following the pledge, each new citizen was presented with their certificate of Australian citizenship and a native Australian plant as a symbolic gesture of growth and belonging.
The ceremony concluded with a rendition of the Australian National Anthem, marking a proud moment for the conferees and their families.
More about each of the new citizens is as follows.
After previously living in India, Lithin Kumar Kandimalla made the move to Australia in 2017, settling first in Adelaide before later relocating to Deniliquin.
Lithin says one of the biggest drawcards of life in Australia is the sense of personal freedom.
“It’s a free culture,” he said.
“Freedom of choice, of culture.”
He also values the opportunities available here, particularly the chance to try new things and build a future in a supportive environment.
“There are a lot of opportunities, we can explore new things.”
Ailin Fabiane Pinnow has called Australia home since 2010.
Originally from Germany, she settled on the Gold Coast first before coming to Deniliquin six years ago.
She owns Deniliquin’s Centrepoint Hotel.
Ailin says regional life in Australia feels familiar, yet refreshingly different from the small country town she grew up in back in Germany.
“In Germany I also lived in a small country town, but it was a busier town,” she said.
“You didn’t have to travel as far to get to other towns or other cities.”
What Ailin appreciates most about Australia, however, is it’s open stretches and country.
“I love the openness of Australia - the chilled, more relaxed attitude that everyone has,” she said.
“And the sunshine, of course; I love the sunshine.”
Gordon Philip Qin and Taslima Rahman‑Ali made the move to Australia together from the United Kingdom in 2021, settling in Deniliquin for work.
Taslima is a practising psychotherapist and Gordon is a GP.
The couple say the lifestyle shift has been one of the most rewarding parts of their move.
One of the first things they noticed was the climate. They’ve also embraced the ease of getting around.
“One of our favourite parts of Australia are the weather; the beautiful, clean weather,” they said.
“And the commute; a super easy commute,” they added, noting how different that feels compared with the UK.
But above all, Gordon and Taslima say it’s the community that has made Deniliquin feel like home.
They’ve felt warmly welcomed and supported since arriving, which became more meaningful after welcoming their first child, Zach, in June.
The couple say they’re grateful to be raising their family in a place that has embraced them so openly.
Originally from Thailand, Thidawan Sankarw moved to Australia in 2019 on a two‑year student visa.
After time spent in Echuca for her husband’s work, the family relocated to Deniliquin, where they have now been settled for a year.
Thidawan said the community has been one of the biggest drawcards.
“I like the community, and the opportunities here for women especially,” she said.
With her family now based locally, the couple are planning to stay long‑term, and have already embraced local activities, including playing pickleball together.
“We are so happy here,” Thidawan said.
“Deni is really nice; not too big, not too small.”
Originally from Nepal, Sapana Shrestha moved to Deniliquin in 2015 and now works locally as a registered nurse.
Sapana says her family has settled beautifully into the community.
“I have a beautiful family - my husband, Shiwa, and my daughter, Elora, who was born here,” she said.
Since arriving, the family has put down strong roots, including purchasing their own home.
Sapana says that while Nepal is known for its dramatic undulating landscapes, her own home town shares similarities with life in Deniliquin.
“Back in Nepal, it is a mountainous country, but the place I am from is a rural farming town, so it is similar to Deni,” she said.