ACT's newest citizens celebrate Australia Day
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today welcomed some 27 people from 16 countries who are becoming new citizens in a special Lake Burley-Griffin ceremony as the ACT celebrates Australia Day.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard will confer citizenship on 27 people hailing from countries as diverse as Bangladesh, South Africa, Canada, Sudan, France, United Kingdom, Brazil, New Zealand, China and the Philippines at the special ceremony at Commonwealth Park’s Rond Terrace.
The lakeside ceremony will be part of the national Australia Day celebrations in the nation’s capital.
‘Australia Day is a special time for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by choice, to come together to celebrate our common bond,’ Mr Bowen said.
‘Today is a particularly special occasion for our newest citizens who are pledging their commitment to our great nation and I congratulate them on behalf of all Australians.
‘It is also a great opportunity for all of us to reflect on what it means to be an Australian citizen and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.’
Among those officially joining the Australian family will be USA-born Peggy Liddick, who is a world-renowned gymnastics coach. She has lived in Australia for the past 16 years and is currently the Australian women’s gymnastics head coach.
‘When the position of national coach for women’s gymnastics became available in Australia in 1996, I saw it as a sign that I was destined to become an Australian,’ Ms Liddick said.
‘I feel a sense of pride and patriotism when the Australian flag is raised and Advance Australia Fair plays over the speakers when one of the Australian gymnasts wins an international medal. I’m happy that today I officially become an Australian.’
Australia Day is the most popular day of the year to become a citizen. Across Australia, around 13 700 people from 144 countries are becoming Australian citizens in 365 ceremonies as part of Australia Day celebrations.
‘More than four million people have chosen to become Australian citizens since the first citizenship ceremony in 1949, enriching our nation’s culture and traditions,’ Mr Bowen said.
‘We look forward to the contribution our newest citizens will make to the Australian community.’URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/cb/2012/cb182092.htm
Last update: Wednesday, 25 January 2012 at 23:56 AEST