It was a family affair in the gardens of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Mataranka office on July 3 when a much-loved member of staff became an Australian citizen in front of more than 20 colleagues and friends.
Yen Nguyen, who is a member of the Council’s Commercial Services team in Mataranka, was the third resident of the Roper Gulf region to be conferred citizenship in 2017, following a ceremony in Borroloola on Australia Day.
Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane presided over the ceremony and congratulated Ms Nguyen on her decision to become an Australian citizen.
“Yen is a well-known part of our community down here in Mataranka, so it was pretty significant to be able to carry out the duties of Presiding Officer as she completed her journey to becoming a citizen,” she said.
“Taking part in these types of civic events hosted by Council is a privilege as an Elected Member, and on behalf of the Council family, I’d like to welcome Yen wholeheartedly as an Australian.”
Ms Nguyen’s conferral was watched by her husband, Bruce Ross, who also works for the Council’s Commercial Services Directorate in the town.
After the ceremony, Ms Nguyen thanked those who had turned out to support her and said it had been a “truly emotional” event.
“This is something that is very important to me and my family,” she said.
“I have always planned to become a citizen, and to be able to do it in front of my family and friends at home in Mataranka makes it even more special.”
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For further information, please contact the Communications Coordinator on 0427 674 212 or at roper.governance@ropergulf.nt.gov.au.