Tweed Mayor, Councillor Kevin Skinner, and the Member for Richmond, the Honourable Justine Elliot MP, presided over a Citizenship Ceremony at Tweed Heads on Monday, welcoming 39 new Australians.
The new citizens made their way to Australia from a wide variety of countries, including the United Kingdom, Scotland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Finland, France, Germany, Venezuela, South Africa, China, Vietnam, Philippines, New Zealand and Fiji.
“No-one who applies for Australian citizenship is expected to renounce the cultural identity, customs or traditions of their homelands which are a part of his or her heritage,” Councillor Skinner said in his role as the Presiding Officer of the ceremony.
“Australia’s heritage is made richer by the contributions of people from many lands.
“Becoming an Australian citizen means a public commitment to embracing Australian values and institutions and bringing to them the enrichment of diversity,” Councillor Skinner said.
On behalf of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Honourable Chris Bowen MP, Ms Elliot told those gathered that the ceremony marked the end of their migrant journey and the start of their new life as an Australian.
“Australia welcomes you and encourages you to contribute to your new country to help build our great nation,” Ms Elliot said. “You will belong to one of the world’s most diverse nations and our Australian citizenship is a bond which unites us all.”
New citizen Frederick Roque of Tweed Heads, formerly of the Philippines, became a citizen surrounded by family and had one word to say about how if felt becoming an Australian – “Awesome”.
Former South African Yvette De Wit of Terranora became an Australian citizen with her son, eight-year-old Michael.
“For me it marks the end of the immigration procedure, which has taken eight years,” Ms De Wit said. “It’s the start of a good life and it can only get better,” she said.
Lisa Harrell of Uki, who became a citizen alongside her daughter Katja, 20, said she was surprised to be moved by the occasion after coming to the Tweed 18 years ago from her native Sweden.
“I already feel part of this community after living here for so many years,” Ms Harrell said.
“But this ceremony felt really good – I’m glad I came and it made me feel really proud,” she said.
For information on how to become an Australian citizen visit www.citizenship.gov.au or phone 131 880.
