Liam McNally
On January 26, Melton City Council hosted a special citizenship ceremony and recognised the winners of the 2022 Community Achievement Awards at The Willows Historical Park.
Around 200 people were sworn in as new citizens, with a sausage sizzle and live entertainment by Alexi Cola Duo.
Koti Ivaturi said it “felt great” to be sworn in as an Australian citizen at the event.
“It’s been about 4 years waiting for this day so I’m really glad it’s happened. It’s on a beautiful day as well… nothing beats being in person here in front of everybody celebrating with friends,” he said.
Four community achievers were recognised on the day. Daphrose Tuyisabe was awarded Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year, John McVie received Disability, Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year went to Shilpa Kumar and Les Chitts was named Melton’s Citizen of the Year.
Over the 43 years he’s spent in Melton Mr Chitts has been involved in more than a dozen charities and community groups, and has given enormously to ensure that Melton is inclusive and accessible for people living with disability.
He said he felt “very privileged” to receive the award.
“You don’t do these sort of things to be recognised, you just do it because you’re helping people, and that’s what I’ve always done,” he said.
“I feel very privileged to be able to help people at my stage in life, and to be recognised for it I’m truly gobsmacked, and I’m proud to be a Meltonian.”
Federal Hawke MP Sam Rae said it was an “honour” to attend the event.
“Melton is one of the most diverse communities in Australia and it’s such an honour to be here today to welcome so many new Australians as we also celebrate our great country,” he said.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was a lovely to see the “multiculturalism of Melton” out on a “beautiful day”.
“Obviously, Australia Day is not a day of celebration for all and we have to respect and recognise that, but for the new citizens I wish them well and I thank them for coming to the melton electorate,” he said.
