Murrumbidgee Council welcomed three new citizens in a small ceremony

Marcelo Bandohan, Marc Arden Nioko and Hussai Rasooly turned out to the council chambers to make their Australian citizenship pledge.

Becoming a formal Australian citizen is a big moment for many, allowing them to vote in elections at all levels and apply for an Australian passport. It also allows for further employment opportunities in the public sector or defence force, as well as children being citizens by descent.

The ceremony, while often held on Australia Day, was moved to allow a smaller and more intimate feel to the momentous occasion.

Mayor Ruth McCrae said she felt it was nicer to have a small ceremony with a few guests than have a big spectacle.

Mrs Rasooly said she has been around for six years, and was feeling good to finally confirm her citizenship.

READ MORE

Mr Bandohan and his son Marc were both very excited to receive their citizenship. Mr Bandohan described it as a 'dream come true.'

"I'm so proud. I've been waiting for this, it's a dream come true for our whole family."

Ms McCrae said that it was one of the privileges of being mayor.

"We're a small rural council, we welcome anybody who'd make the decision to live here in Australia and then choose to move here. We love it, it speaks very clearly to the diversity and richness of our culture," she said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: