Five new Aussies for the Maranoa

Published on 24 September 2025

Last Wednesday, 17 September marked a night of celebration and unity as five Maranoa residents officially became Australian citizens.

The citizenship ceremony was one of many celebrations held across the nation as it coincided with the Australian Citizenship Day.

The conferees, who migrated from New Zealand, Philippines and Canada, were welcomed by Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Wendy Taylor, who officiated the ceremony. Assisting in the ceremony was Councillor Meryl Brumpton.

Mayor Wendy Taylor recognised the major decision the five immigrants were making as they officially became Australian citizens.

“Like other major life decisions, it is an event which involves commitment, responsibility, public recognition, celebration of the present and hopes for a common future,” Cr Taylor said.

Held at the Roma Cultural Centre, friends and families of the citizens participated in the night’s activities for the grand welcoming, the new five Australian Citizens. The Australian National Anthem was sung by the Crescendo Choir before finishing off with the cutting of a celebratory cake.

The new citizens are:

• Julie-Anne Casey
• Michael John Casey
• Reyna Vergara Ambos-Moody
• Gaebriel Vergara Ambos
• Madeline Brooke Jacobson Cherry

“Australian citizenship represents full and formal membership of the community of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, uniting all Australians, while respecting their diversity.”

“I congratulate our citizens for the commitment they have made to being part of Australia’s future and officially welcome you to the community of the Maranoa.”