Warm welcome for Murrumbidgee’s newest Australian citizen

Published on 08 July 2025

8 July 2025

Murrumbidgee’s newest citizen was officially welcomed at a special ceremony held on 8 July 2025 at Jerilderie, with Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae OAM officiating. 

Ms Neileen Doherty, originally from Ireland, took the pledge of commitment to Australia in front of family, friends and council staff. 

Mayor McRae said it was an honour to conduct the ceremony and witness such a meaningful milestone. 

“Welcoming new citizens is one of the most rewarding parts of my role,” Cr McRae said.

“It was a pleasure to formally welcome Ms Doherty as an Australian. Our community is stronger for the diversity and shared values that citizenship represents”, she said.

Ms Doherty said becoming an Australian citizen was a deeply personal and proud moment.

“I have been a member of the Coleambally community since 2011, which is almost half of my life. To now become a citizen of Australia is an extremely proud moment for me and even though I have considered Australia my home for quite some time, today has solidified that title for me,” Ms Doherty said.

The ceremony was attended by family and friends, all of whom shared in the joy of this significant occasion.

It was conducted in accordance with the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.