FIVE new Australian citizens from around the shire made their pledge at a citizenship ceremony held in Indigo Shire Council Chambers last Thursday.

Beechworth’s Doug Wallen had hailed from Pennsylvania in the United States where he grew up near the state's capital of Harrisburg and later lived in Philadelphia for years.

Doug had arrived in Melbourne from the dtates where he lived for a short time before a move to Ballarat where he resided for seven years, followed by a shift to Beechworth where has lived for the past seven years.

For the long-time permanent resident, Doug wanted to make his residency official particularly with the chance to vote.

“I'm glad to officially be at home in Australia, and to contribute to the country and community via voting, jury duty, and other vital responsibilities,” he said.

“Having a say in where I live will always be important to me, but especially being able to vote "yes" in the upcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum."

Deputy Mayor Bernard Gaffney presided over citizenship formalities.

Cr Gaffney said there had been a big crowd of more than 30 family members and friends with a large number of children in attendance too.

“Children were just as excited as their parents who were so happy to become part of the Australian community as well as Indigo Shire,” he said.

“These new citizens bring their skills and culture to our community.

"They also think becoming Australian citizens is important for their children.”

Two members from the North East Multicultural Association mingled with the new citizens warmly welcoming them as well as providing some valuable information.