They included Mrs Hussai Rasooly — now living in Sydney but formerly of Jerilderie — and Mr Marcelo Bandohan and his son Marc, from Darlington Point.
The Rasooly family originate from Afghanistan and love their life in Australia.
Now living in Sydney, they treasure their time and memories from Jerilderie.
Mrs Rasooly expressed her excitment and happiness at finally becoming an Australian citizen.
‘‘I have waited a long time for this moment, with the COVID pandemic delaying citizenship,’’ she said.
‘‘It is a proud moment for all of us.’’
Mr Bandohan, originally from the Philippines, said becoming Australian citizens is a ‘‘dream come true’’ for he and his son.
“We are so happy and proud to officially become Australian citizens,’’ he said.
Mr Bandohan thanked Australia and its people for all they have done for him and his family.
‘‘Australians have done a lot for us,’’ he said.
It is the first time a citizenship ceremony has been held in Murrumbidgee since March of last year, due to COVID restrictions.
The ceremony was attended by Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae and general manager John Scarce.
The new citizens were supported by their families, including Mrs Rasooly’s husband, Maiwand and two sons, Rehan and Subhan, who pledged their citizenship in March last year.
Supporting Mr Bandohan and Marc were their wife and mother Melissa, and their youngest child, Ronan.
Cr McRae said citizenship ceremonies are a very rewarding part of her role as mayor, and it was a great pleasure to officially confer Australian citizenship on each candidate.
‘‘The candidates today were all so proud and honoured to become Australian citizens,’’ she said.
‘‘We are so fortunate to live in such an incredible country and our new citizens reinforce this with the genuine pride they feel on this special day in their journey to become Australians.
‘‘I warmly congratulate Mrs Rasooly, Mr Bandohan and Marc in officially becoming Australians and wish them every success for the future.’’
