Snags, smiles for Warrnambool’s newest citizens at city celebrations

They were among six new citizens welcomed to the city on Friday at Australia Day celebrations at the Warrnambool Botanic gardens.

Mr Baskota and Ms Pokharel said they came from Nepal to Australia 10 years ago.

They spent time in Sydney before coming to Warrnambool four years ago.

“We love this country,” Mr Baskota said.

“There are a lot of opportunities. Warrnambool is our home and we won’t go back to Sydney. We like the country lifestyle.”

The pair celebrated their citizenship with a picnic in the gardens, surrounded by hundreds of others, who enjoyed live music, family games and other activities.

A range of dining options were available, with the Warrnambool Lions Club cooking up a storm on the barbecue. 

The club estimated it would sell 1000 sausages.

Volunteers Ray Lougheed and Barrie Baker were recognised as Warrnambool’s Citizen of the Year at the celebrations.

They were both recognized for their efforts to improve the lives of those in the Warrnambool community.

Mayor Robert Anderson congratulated Mr Baker and Mr Lougheed and said those receiving awards on Australia Day set a great example to the rest of the community.

Warrnambool brothers Aaron and Chris Gillin received Young Citizen of the Year awards for their outstanding work in creating awareness of muscular dystrophy. 

Aaron’s award was posthumous – he died in October last year at the age of just 24.

Chris said it was an honour to collect the award for his brother Aaron.

He said there was plenty of work being done behind the scenes to keep raising awareness of MD.

Local Achiever Awards were presented to Lyn Eales, Lyn Mast and Kate Sewell and the Community Event of the Year was the Fletcher Jones Christmas Garden Party.

Former Brauer College principal Duncan Stalker OAM was the Australia Day ambassador.

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell addressed the crowd.

She acknowledged the date of Australia Day had been “controversial of late”.

“But, I do believe it’s important to acknowledge and speak about our past while celebrating our present and looking towards the future,” she said.

“Whatever the date, I believe it’s important we celebrate, together, as a nation. Working with the local indigenous community before I began this role, I developed an interest and deep respect for indigenous history, language and customs.

“It always made me incredibly proud to see the community, especially the youth, embracing their culture and displaying it proudly at events like today. I believe it’s critically important the indigenous culture of this country is celebrated by everyone.

“Today we also acknowledge our present, recognising the people in our community who go above and beyond each and every day to make this such a great place to live.

“One of my favourite part of the day’s celebrations looks to our future - as people from all corners of the globe take the final step, make the pledge and become Australian citizens.” 

Mrs Britnell said Australia Day was the day to reflect on what people can be proud of as a country.

“It is the day for all of us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future - for ourselves, our families, our neighbours, our communities and our region,” she said.