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Murray River Council welcomes new citizens

By Louie Cina

Jul 27, 2026

New Australian citizens stand alongside Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie at Tuesday night’s ceremony. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Australians from seven different nations have made the pledge of commitment at the large citizenship ceremony officiated by Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie.

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Family and friends gathered to welcomed 18 new Australian citizens at a Murray River Council ceremony at Moama Bowling Club recently.

The group of 18 is the largest cohort conferred in a single ceremony by the council in several years, beating out January’s ceremony, where 16 new citizens were welcomed.

Benchawan Rotrangnok receives her citizenship certificate from Mayor John Harvie. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

New residents originally hailed from the Phillippines, England, Scotland, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Canada.

Among the group were four families, with three children gaining citizenship.

The cohort was joined by family and friends, who packed out Moama Bowling Club to celebrate and support the community’s newest citizens.

New citizens with their friends, families, and dignities at Moama Bowling Club on Tuesday. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Also in attendance were council chief executive Stacy Williams and Cr Joy Allan.

Cr Harvie, who led the proceedings, said it was an honour to preside over the ceremony.

Mayor John Harvie addresses the room. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“It was a privilege to welcome 18 new Australian citizens at one of Murray River Council’s largest citizenship ceremonies this week,” Cr Harvie said.

“Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone, and it was wonderful to celebrate this special occasion with our newest citizens, their families and friends.

“While many have already been an important part of our community for some years, it was an honour to formally welcome them as Australian citizens.”