After many years of contribution to the Bingara community through Minor League, Swimming Club, Junior Cricket, Central School canteen and P&C, and the Anglican Church, Volau O’Rourke (or "Toby" as we all know her) can add Australian Citizen to her list of achievements.
At a citizenship ceremony before the official opening of the Bingara Orange Festival on Saturday, Volau pledged her loyalty to Australia and its people. Her pledge was received by Mayor, Bob Tremain, who presented Volau with her framed citizenship certificate, the Bible on which she made her pledge, an electoral enrolment form, which he described as “an important part of the Australian way of life which gives you equal rights to vote for whoever you wish”, and from the Australian Government, a citizenship coin.
Volau O’Rourke proudly displays her framed Australian Citizenship certificate during the ceremony of Saturday.
“I think its great that people choose to live, not only in Australia, but in places like Bingara and the Gwydir Council, to make our communities what they are, a very diverse and vibrant place to live,” Cr. Tremain said.
Special visitors at the ceremony were Jane and Peter Beaumont and their daughter Gabby, who travelled from Canberra especially to attend the function.
Volau responded, saying “Being an Australian citizen is really a great honour and privilege for me and I am very proud to be part of a big family especially to become an Australian citizen."
“I wish to acknowledge the people who gave a lot of their time and effort and support on my behalf. I would like to say thank you very much to Jane and Peter Beaumont, all the way from the capital city, they are here this morning to be with us. Thank you also to David and Tanya Brennan. I appreciate your help, and to Kevin and Robin Hansen, thanks a lot. Also to Fiona McGowan and the members of the Bingara Minor League, thank you very much, also to Fred and Chris Sawyer, thanks a lot, I appreciate all your help”.
Volau also thanked Chris Riley and Chris Knellar for their support with paper work, and to Rebecca Mack for the work she did in preparing for the citizenship.
Bingara is proud to have Toby as its newest citizen.
