New Australians, but not so new to Deni

The new citizens had a number of their friends and family in attendance at the Edward River Council organised event, with morning tea provided the new citizens and their guests.

the morning ceremony was opened by Cr Hall, with apologies for non-attendance from Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton, Federal Senator Deborah O’Neill and outgoing Federal Senator Perin Davey.

Cr Hall made an introduction to proceedings before speaking about the opportunity for the participants to affirm loyalty to Australia, celebrate the meaning of Australian Citizenship and the decision to become Australian citizens.

The three applicants made their Australian citizenship affirmation pledge successfully in front of around 30 attendees.

Everyone in attendance then sang two verses of the Australian National Anthem.

The celebration of their official achievement as Australian citizens on Tuesday marked the end of their process to receive the privilege of becoming an Australian citizen, which can take many years.

Mrs Hare is originally from the Visayas region of the Philippines.

Before arriving in Australia, she was employed for several years as a domestic helper in the United Arab Emirates.

She moved to Australia in 2017 when she married Don Hare.

The couple is a success story of online dating, and this October marks eight years since she came to Australia.

Mrs Hare said one of the main differences of her new home is its flatness compared to the mountainous landscape of the Philippines.

She described Australia as a “nice country, progressive” and said it is “good to live in”.

She said she was “very excited” about becoming an Australian citizen.

“I feel like it is a big achievement for me,” she said.

Mrs Hare is currently working at Navorina Aged Care home, which she said she really enjoys.

She also said she has made many friends in her time in Australia, through Navorina and the wider Deniliquin community. Some attended the presentation to show their support.

Miss Eugenio is also from the Phillipines.

SHe arrived in the community in 2019 for work, initially with Southern Cross Care Orana.

She is now employed by the Denilquin Community Group Mental Health Service, working with manager Amy Salmon.

Miss Eugenio said she has developed a good connection with Deniliquin and members of the community.

“I came here for work, but I really like the peace and quiet, and I especially love the people,” she said.

“It is a nice small town. I feel like I have got lots of close friends in Deniliquin.”

A large group of Miss Eugenio’s friends, which she made when first working at Orana, attended the presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

Before coming to Deniliquin Miss Eugenio worked in New Zealand for about a year, and also lived and worked as a registered nurse in the Middle East after leaving the Phillipines in 2013.

She is currently completing her post graduate studies in mental health at Victoria University, and has decided to stay in Deniliquin for now.

At the end of the official ceremony, Miss Eugenio said she was truly grateful for everyone’s support.

“Thank you to everyone for putting on this ceremony. And thank you to Australia.”

The third citizenship certificate was presented to Ms Duong.

Originally hailing from Hue in Vietnam, she came to Australia in 2017 when she married Mark Richards.

She said she was truly grateful and enjoyed living in the town.

“I very much love, Deniliquin. I feel very lucky,” she said.

“Thank you, Deniliquin.”

Since coming to Deniliquin eight years ago, she has made many friends, including some who were in attendance.

She currently works at the Deniliquin Bowling Club and a cafe in town.

She sees Australia as a land of opportunities and wants to work hard and contribute.

Mr Richards said he looks forward to the ever-growing multicultural landscape of Australia.