Our People
27 May, 2026
Six new Aussies
PYRENEES Shire Council welcomed six new citizens at a citizenship ceremony in Beaufort last week. The new Australians were joined by family and friends as they made their pledge of commitment to Australia and were formally presented with their citizenship certificates.
The new citizens came from six countries including the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Canada, reflecting the growing cultural diversity of the Pyrenees Shire community.
For many, after living in Australia for a number of years, becoming an Australian citizen was an important next step.
Each of the new citizens had their own reason for taking the pledge.
Darren Phillips, originally from the United Kingdom, said after living here most of his life, the time was right.
"I have been here for 50 years, so I thought it was time to do it,” he. said.
Jesamie Montibano grew up in the Philippines but has been living in Australia for many years.
“I love it here in Australia. It has grown on me, and I decided that I wanted to become a citizen,” Jesamie said.
For Deb Bain, from Canada, it was more about giving back to the community.
“I want to contribute more to the community and becoming a citizen is the first step,” Deb said.
As part of the ceremony, new citizens were presented with a native plant symbolising growth, belonging and putting down roots in the community.
Mayor Cr Damian Ferrari said the ceremony was a meaningful way to officially welcome the new citizens into the community.
"It is great that people who have lived in our community for many years have taken the next steps to become Australian citizens,” Cr Ferrari said.
"This ceremony provides an opportunity for us to formally welcome these new citizens and welcome them as part of our community.”