Northern Territory's newest citizens celebrate Australia Day
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today welcomed some 140 new citizens from 35 countries as the Northern Territory celebrates Australia Day.
Seven ceremonies will be held across the Territory, including in Darwin and Alice Springs.
‘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.’
Chef John Borlagdan, his wife Jean and daughter Justine will all officially become Australians in Darwin. The family is from the Philippines and came to Australia for work and a better life five years ago.
‘I'm excited about tomorrow, I worked hard for this and I have earned the opportunity to become a citizen. This was my goal when we came here,’ Mr Borlagdan said.
A planned ceremony for one person on Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi islands, before the annual Island of Origin football match between traditional rivals Bathurst and Melville Islands has been postponed by the council due to extreme weather.
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/cb182100.htm
Last update: Wednesday, 25 January 2012 at 23:54 AEST