Thirty-nine residents from 15 countries were sworn in as Australian citizens during Refugee Week.
The Baw Baw Shire citizenship ceremony was led by mayor Danny Goss, with assistance from Member for Monash Mary Aldred.
Cr Goss said Refugee Week was an opportunity to reflect on Australia's long history of resettling refugees and others in humanitarian need and acknowledge the many contributions they had made to Australia.
"Since the end of the second world war, Australia has successfully settled over 985,000 refugees and humanitarian entrants. Refugees have brought diversity to our cities, suburbs and towns. This diversity has helped create the Australia that we know and enjoy today.
"Australia continues to maintain our long-term commitment to a generous and flexible humanitarian and resettlement programs, while also accounting for the challenges associated with responding to global humanitarian crises.
"Australia is one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world and today more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was," he said.
Cr Goss said it was a proud day to celebrate Australian citizenship.
Conferees taking Australian citizenship were from Canada, China, Egypt, India, Ireland, Mauritius, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zimbabwe.
Cr Goss told the new citizens councillors were delighted they had chosen Baw Baw Shire as their homes and looed forward to them becoming involved in the local community.
"Regardless of whether you have been here for a long or short while, I strongly encourage you to become involved in your local community; through sporting clubs, community groups, schools and kindergartens or other local service or social clubs.
"I am sure you will find that they will be pleased to welcome you, appreciate you and celebrate your contribution to our community," Cr Goss said.