Gympie welcomes 16 new citizens on 20th Australian Citizenship Day

A Gympie vet is officially an Aussie, more than a decade after arriving in the country. She and 15 others were the stars of a moving citizenship ceremony. See the photos here.

For Gympie veterinarian Emilie Flattot, officially became an Australian was a moment 14 years in the making.

Dr Flattot, who works at Gympie Vet Services on Little Channon St, first came to Australia from New Caledonia when she was 18 to study veterinary science.

She’d been here 14 years before she decided to get her citizenship and was drawn to Gympie for its community, weather and job opportunities.

“Where I was from was too small to actually study, and Australia seemed like a really nice place to come and study,” she said.

“The lifestyle is very similar to where I’ve come from, very relaxed.

“Very nice people, very nice climate, very nice workplace and clients.”

The Gympie pavilion was buzzing on Friday morning as Dr Flattot and 15 others prepared to be welcomed into the community as Australian Citizens, supported by their families.

The ceremony is the fourth and final citizenship event to happen in 2021, with Friday’s celebration falling on the Australian Citizenship Day’s 20th anniversary.

The celebrations began with a short speech from Mayor Glen Hartwig, before an acknowledgment of country and traditional smoking ceremony on the deck outside the pavilion.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said he was honoured to share such a special day with the new citizens. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

Mayor Hartwig said it was a “truly humbling” experience to welcome Gympie’s newest Australians.

“I don’t know whether I would have the same sort of courage as you have to do what you’ve done,” he said.

Gympie MP Tony Perrett delivered the ministers message on behalf of Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, who couldn’t attend.

Gympie MP Tony Perrett stepped in for Wide Bay MP Llew O'Brien, who could not be present for the ceremony. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

Mr Hartwig asked the new citizens to stand up and introduce themselves to the region prior to completing their oath.

After the oaths were completed, the ceremony concluded with the national anthem.

Gallery: meet the new Australian Citizens welcomed into Gympie

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