By CAROLINE STRAINIG
TWENTY Port Macquarie-Hastings residents became Australian citizens in a ceremony at the council chambers last week.
Conducted by Mayor Peter Besseling with the aid of the shire’s Citizen of the Year, Dr Ray Hodgson,the occasion had a moving side in addition to putting an official stamp on changing citizenship from one country to another.
“It’s a day to think about the changes that have shaped our nation,” Mayor Besseling said.
“It’s a chance to think about what unites us as Australians and to celebrate our democratic rights and freedoms.”
People were obviously moved as they swore their allegiance and then joined in singing the national anthem.
Lee Dixon and his family moved from near Liverpool in the UK four years ago and started a marketing and design company. He says nothing could entice them to go back.
“We moved for the lifestyle and just ended up in Port Macquarie,” Mr Dixon said. “It’s paradise. It’s got everything that a big town has but without the traffic.”
The girls love the variety of sports on offer. None of them misses the English weather!
All agreed that becoming a citizen made them feel even more part of the community.
Another new citizen said the day was one he would never forget.
“Today was very special for us,” he said.
“Being a citizen – not many people get this opportunity. We are so lucky and proud to be Australian. We feel different today. It is a big turning point.”
Those participating included individuals and families from South Africa, the US, NZ, UK, Peru, Germany, India, South Korea, Czechoslovakia, Thailand and the Philippines. Most were accompanied by friends and relatives, swelling numbers to more than 40.
The ceremony was one of hundreds of events held across the national to mark Australian Citizenship Day. The day was first celebrated in 2001 with the aim of increasing community awareness of Australian citizenship while providing a focal point for citizenship-related activities and celebrations.
