General News
30 January, 2026
Citizenship ceremony turns engagement party
A SURPRISE proposal gave Port Fairy’s Konwicka ‘Anne’ Sermram another reason to smile after her partner Tony McIlroy snuck on stage to pop the big question seconds after she became an Australian citizen.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the Panmure Community Hall during Moyne Shire Council’s Australia Day ceremony on Monday as mayor Cr Jordan Lockett conferred citizenship.
Ms Sermram was among the 16 members of the community beaming as they were welcomed as new Australians, but her smile grew far wider as she turned to see Mr McIlroy waiting on bended knee.
Mr McIlroy acknowledged his heart was racing as he snuck to pop the question to his partner of nine years.
While she was reciting the pledge, he had carefully pulled an engagement ring from his pocket and strode up the stairs to ask the question which carries a pledge of its own.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Mr McIlroy told the Warrnambool Weekly following the ceremony.
“It’s been on the cards for a while but I was waiting for the right time, I guess.
“I have no idea what was going through my mind – I was nervous.”
The question itself could not be heard over the roar of the packed house in attendance.
The rows of the hall were filled with smiles and applause, and no shortage of tears.
Mr McIlroy made sure he’d invited as many family and friends as possible, knowing the importance of citizenship to Ms Sermram – but also the importance of the step he was about to take.
“It was all so stressful that it’s all a bit of a blur,” he said.
“I just had to look at her and not the crowd.”
Ms Sermram has been in Australia for the past 17 years, and following her recognition as an Australian – in addition to becoming engaged – was ready to celebrate.
“I made sure as many people as possible could be here,” Mr McIlroy said.
“Then we’ve got a pretty good Aussie Day party back at home with everything set up.
“Hay bales, a band coming – a real Aussie party.”
