Welcoming new Australians to the Colac Otway community

Published on 16 September 2025

Seventeen people took the pledge and became Australian Citizens at a Colac Otway Shire Council event this week.

Council hosted a citizenship ceremony at Colac on Wednesday 17 September.

The new citizens came to Australia from countries including the Philippines, China, Nigeria, India, Indonesia and Taiwan.

The ceremony coincided with Australian Citizenship Day, an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship, and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.

Mayor Jason Schram led the new citizens through the Australian citizenship pledge.

Cr Schram said it was an opportunity celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“It’s a proud moment to welcome new citizens who’ve chosen to make Colac Otway their home – it says a lot about the welcoming and vibrant community we have here,” he said.

“Becoming an Australian citizen is a life-long commitment to Australia’s shared values of freedom, democracy and respect – and we’re honoured that these people see Colac Otway as the right place to do that.

“When people choose to settle here, it’s a vote of confidence in our community. We’re stronger because of the people who choose to live here, to contribute and to belong.”

To learn about becoming an Australian citizen, visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen