BENDIGO residents from around the world have cemented their ties to Australia, becoming citizens in a ceremony at the city's town hall.
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Two dozen people hailing from everywhere from the Philippines, to Britain, to Vietnam, to Afghanistan, and everywhere in between, took their pledge on Wednesday night.
Among them was Fabien Laville, supported by his wife, children and extended family.
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French by birth, Mr Laville has lived in Australia for 10 years and Bendigo for 5. It's the country where he met his wife Jess and started a family.
It already felt like home, but I think now I'm officially part of the community and one of the Bendigo city people.
- Fabien Laville
Mr Laville said he was proud to have become an Australian citizen.
"It already felt like home, but I think now I'm officially part of the community and one of the Bendigo city people," he said.
"I'm glad I [had] the ceremony here in Bendigo, because it makes a lot of sense that I'd become an Australian here, which feels like home"
Mr Laville and family celebrated with champagne after the ceremony. Soon to ease COVID-19 restrictions meant they planned to have a big barbecue for family and friends on the weekend.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Jennifer Alden said it was wonderful to be able to return to conducting in-person citizenship ceremonies, after COVID-19 moved them online.
It was the second in-person ceremony the city had run since COVID-19 restrictions eased.
Councillor Alden said it was always wonderful to welcome new Australians.
She said it was an honour as mayor to help complete someone's journey to becoming a citizen.
Cr Alden said there was always a buzz at citizenship ceremonies, as people brought along family, friends, workmates and neighbours.
She said the atmosphere was great at the Wednesday night event in the Bendigo Town Hall.
"It's an exciting event for everyone involved. People value their citizenship so highly, it's just really rewarding to see people complete that journey in Australia," Cr Alden said.
"We are a welcoming city here in Bendigo, so it certainly affirms the fact that we're able to embrace a growing diversity in our community and celebrate that."
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