Seven Huon Valley residents have received a warm welcome as our newest Australian citizens.

Supported by friends and family members, they were welcomed at an official ceremony in the Huonville Town Hall on Thursday 14 September.

The group represents a diverse range of countries from around the world, including Brazil, Belgium, Russia, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Huon Valley Council Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe officiated the ceremony and administered the Pledges of Commitment.

“You bring with you skills, values and customs that can enrich this country. By becoming an Australian citizen, you are showing that you want to be part of Australia’s future,” Cr Thorpe said.

On behalf of all Australians I offer you my warmest congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead.”

Cr Thorpe was joined by Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith and General Manager Jason Brown in welcoming the group.

Happy in the Valley

Ekaterina Kiseleva first travelled to Australia from Russia 11 years ago and has lived in Tasmania for three and a half years.

“I’m very grateful to be here and a Tasmanian citizen! My family and friends are here. I’m loving it,” she said.

Originally from Belgium, Vera-Christina McVeagh said she was “pretty excited.”

“Just to be a part of Australia, it’s exciting,” she said.

“I’ve lived in the Huon Valley for the last three years. It’s nice and quiet.”

To commemorate the occasion, conferees were presented with a 2023 Australian citizenship coin, a certificate of recognition and a native plant.

Between them, they now call Huonville, Lucaston, Lonnavale, Glen Huon and Lune River home.

We wish them all the best for their future in the Huon Valley.

Huon Valley Council General Manager Jason Browne

Huon Valley Council Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe

Conferees make the Pledge of Commitment

Kathleen Brant, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith

Ekaterina Kiseleva, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith

Mun Yee Lok, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith

Mary McIntosh, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith

Vera-Christina McVeagh, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith

Eric Almeida Lira, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith

Fernanda Alves de Amorim, with Deputy Mayor Toby Thorpe and Councillor Jenny Cambers-Smith