Welcoming three new Australian citizens to Pyrenees Shire

Published on 22 July 2026

Pyrenees Shire Council proudly welcomed three new Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony held in Beaufort on Monday. Surrounded by family and friends, the recipients made their pledge of commitment to Australia and were officially presented with their citizenship certificates.

The new citizens came from the UK and Vietnam. Having lived in Australia for many years, the new citizens decided it was the perfect time to formalise their connection to the country by becoming Australian citizens.

Each of the new citizens had their own reason for taking the pledge.

Graham Bowers, originally from the United Kingdom, said: " I should have done it a while ago.” ”Now felt like a good time.”

Anthony Reynolds, from Brighton in the UK said that becoming a citizen is something he has wanted to do for three or four years. “I have been here for over 40 years, so becoming a citizen was the final step," Anthony said.

For Abigail (Nhung) Tran, from Vietnam, it was more about being part of the community. “I have been in Australia for over 10 years; I live and work in the community and have a business here. It meant being part of the community."

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’s great to see these long-term community members take the next step in their Australian journey and officially become Australian citizens,” Cr Ferrari said.