Shepparton’s Ethnic Council has congratulated the 70 people who became new citizens on Australia Day. Council president Maria Brown-Shepherd said the people were from more than 20 different countries.
She said the city was often mentioned at state and federal levels as a model for successful settlement and was relatively unique in provincial Australian terms in respect of its cultural diversity.
Ms Brown-Shepherd said for some people, the settlement process could be challenging and agencies such as the Ethnic Council were funded to provide support and help through the provision of information and referral services to new arrivals.
‘The Ethnic Council also helps new communities to establish their own incorporated associations and assists community leaders in the administration of their associations,’ she said.
Article and image courtesy Shepparton News
