Above: CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister, new citizens Kausalya Lingamanaicker, Thomas Neville, Lien Puddicombe and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack at the Gundagai morning ceremony proudly standing before family, friends and guests after receiving their Citizenship Certificates and a native plant courtesy of Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council.
Above right: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, new citizens Junie Rendon and Ali Jahan Mahin with CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister at the Cootamundra ceremony with Citizenship Certificates presented by Steph Cooke MP and Mayor McAlister. Junie and Ali received a native plant courtesy of CGRC to make the importance of their day.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGR) proudly welcomed five new Australian citizens
across two recent Citizenship Ceremonies held in Gundagai and Cootamundra, celebrating an important milestone for the individuals and the broader community.
The first ceremony took place in Gundagai, where three residents were officially welcomed as Australian citizens. Mayor Abb McAlister presided over the ceremony, joined by Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. New citizens Kausalya Lingamanaicker, Thomas Neville, and Lien Puddicombe were presented with their citizenship certificates in the presence of family, friends, and invited guests. The event concluded with a morning tea, providing an opportunity for attendees to celebrate the occasion together.
Later in the day, a second ceremony was held at the Alby Schultz Meeting Centre in Cootamundra.
Two residents, Junie Rendon and Ali Jahan Mahin, formally became Australian citizens. The
ceremony was officiated by Mayor McAlister, with assistance from Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP. Following the formal proceedings, guests gathered for an afternoon tea to mark the occasion and welcome the new citizens into the community.
During both ceremonies, participants made the Australian Citizenship Pledge, affirming their
commitment to Australia and its laws, values, and democratic beliefs. This important moment
signifies not only the conferral of citizenship, but also the beginning of a new chapter as active
members of the Australian community.
Mayor McAlister congratulated the new citizens, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is a proud and meaningful achievement. On behalf of Council and the community, I warmly welcome our newest citizens and thank them for choosing to make Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council their home,” Cr McAlister said.
“Our community is enriched by the diversity, experiences and contributions of people from all backgrounds, and it is a privilege to share in this special moment with them.”
Both ceremonies highlighted the importance of inclusion, civic participation, and shared values that unite residents across the region. Family members and friends played an integral role in the celebrations, reflecting the strong community spirit that defines the Cootamundra-Gundagai region.
Council extends its congratulations to all new citizens and looks forward to their ongoing
contributions to the cultural, social and economic life of the region.
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