Welcoming new Australians to the Colac Otway community
16th September 2025
Seventeen people will take the pledge and become Australian Citizens at a Colac Otway Shire Council event this week.
Council will host a citizenship ceremony at Colac on Wednesday 17 September from 10am.
The new citizens come to Australia from countries including the Philippines, China, Nigeria, India, Indonesia and Taiwan.
The ceremony coincides 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 will lead 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 immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400