By Esther Lauaki
Nearly 200 new Melton and Moorabool citizens will be sworn in at Australia Day celebrations this month.
In Melton there will be 180 new citizens, while Moorabool will welcome 11.
This year’s citizenship festivities will mark 70 years since Australian citizenship was introduced into law.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the day was a significant time to reflect on the privilege of citizenship and what it means to be Australian.
“Australia Day is a time for us to give a warm welcome to our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become a full member of the Australian community,” Cr Tatchell said.
“I congratulate those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia and encourage everyone to come and join in on the local celebrations this Australia Day.”
Melton Australia Day festivities at Willows Historical Park will include live entertainment, a welcome to country,
an address from Australia Day ambassador Wida Tausif and a flag-raising ceremony.
This year’s Community Achievement Awards winners, including the Citizen of the Year and the Young Citizen of the Year, will also be recognised.
Entertainment will begin at 9.15am, with official proceedings starting at 10.15am and concluding at noon.
