THE Mansfield Shire welcomed its two newest Australian citizens at a citizenship ceremony last week where residents Paul Harrop and Jennifer Ellis pledged their allegiance to their adopted home country.

Deputy Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe welcomed those to be conferred and their family and friends at the Mansfield Shire Council chambers on Tuesday morning, April 9, saying out of all the events council runs, the citizenship ceremony is one of the most enjoyable.

Before an address by Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, a short video featuring former Australian citizens of the year was played.

Common themes throughout the video were “inclusion and acceptance”, “respecting each other”, “oldest surviving culture”, and “all the same”.

“At the end of today we have two new citizens, congratulations on your commitment to be part of Australia’s future,” Cr Rabie said.

He shared a message from the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, Andrew Giles, who thanked the new citizens for joining in the making of one of the most successful multicultural countries.

Cr Rabie commended Mr Harrop and Ms Ellis for standing up before their community to pledge their loyalty to Australia.

Following the formal citizenship certificate presentation, the state member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish, made a short address.

“It is a great opportunity to speak to people and hear their back stories,” said Ms McLeish.

Injecting some humour into the proceedings, she urged the new citizens to swear allegiance to Pat Cummins, his cricket team, and the Australian women’s team.

“Australia is a wonderful place, and the Mansfield Shire allows people to thrive,” Ms McLeish said.

Mr Harrop, who lives at Goughs Bay, came to Australia as a four-year-old with his Lancastrian parents from Manchester, England.

His love of the Mansfield area grew from his childhood trips to his family’s on-site caravan at Goughs Bay.

“I moved here in 1995 because I also loved the country life,” Mr Harrop said.

Together with his partner Cassy, he worked at Buller Freight until 2021.

“I wanted to become a citizen for years but work got in the way,” he said.

It was time to get it done, Mr Harrop said.

“All my daughters and two grandchildren are here,” said New Zealand-born Ms Ellis regarding her decision to become an Australian citizen.

The ceremony was followed by a morning tea, which included the iconic lamington.