A rocking Australia Day for Tasmania's newest citizens
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today welcomed some 230 new citizens from 45 countries, including an internationally renowned rock musician, as Tasmania celebrates Australia Day.
‘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.’
There will be 17 ceremonies in the state, including in Launceston with 58 new citizens, Glenorchy with 50 new citizens, Hobart with 36 new citizens, Kingborough with 24 new citizens, and Clarence with 22 new citizens.
Among those officially joining the Australian family in Clarence is US-born musician Brian Ritchie, founding member of famed alternative rock band the Violent Femmes, teahouse owner and master of the Japanese Shakuhachi flute.
Mr Ritchie has made a significant contribution to the local arts scene since settling in Tasmania and is curator of Hobart’s international Mona Foma Festival, one of the biggest contemporary musical and arts events in Tasmania.
‘After five years here, I just want to become a citizen as quickly as possible. I love Australia and want to make that commitment. To celebrate, we’ll be drinking champagne with my mother-in-law, who recently became an Australian permanent resident,’ Mr Ritchie said.
Citizenship ceremonies will also be held in Devonport, West Tamar, Huonville, Central Coast, Break o’ Day, Latrobe, Waratah-Wynyard, George Town, Meander Valley, Sorell, Brighton and Derwent Valley.
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/cb182108.htm
Last update: Wednesday, 25 January 2012 at 23:51 AEST