Family affair as Terence celebrates Aussie citizenship
FIFTH generation South African man Terence Doosi will celebrate the “biggest achievement” in his life today.
He will join hundreds of others in taking the oath to become Australian citizens at ceremonies across the Gold Coast for Australia Day.
Mr Doosi and his family immigrated to Australia to escape crime-ridden Johannesburg.
“It was for the future of my children. Australia is one of the safest countries in the world and the opportunity for children and young people is really good here,” he said.
“Johannesburg is such a dangerous city to bring up children.
“The Gold Coast is probably one of the nicest cities that we’ve been to when it comes to raising a family, especially because we live in Currumbin Waters.”
Mr Doosi moved to Australia by himself to complete a hairdressing sponsorship at the Just Cuts salon in Armidale, NSW.
His wife and children joined him a year later.
The Currumbin Waters resident now co-owns and manages Just Cuts at The Pines Elanora alongside the business owner who sponsored him in Armidale.
Mr Doosi’s children will receive their citizenship today as well during a ceremony at the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club.
His wife will be due for her citizenship in April.
“(Citizenship) is something I’ve waited for since the time I got here,” Mr Doosi said.
“My wife and I made sure we followed all the rules and made sure we didn’t compromise our citizenship in anyway, because it’s the most important thing to us right now.
“It’s one of the biggest achievements in my life.”
He said immigrating to Australia and becoming a citizen took a lot of perseverance.
“I just give credit to my wife. She stayed back for a year in Johannesburg with the kids and did her part,” Mr Doosi said.
“The hardest part of immigration was having to spend a year away from them.”
Around 250 new Aussies will take the oath at a special Australia Day citizenship ceremony in the Lakeside Room at HOTA, from 3pm today.
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Donna Gates encouraged all residents and visitors to “have a cracking Australia Day’’.
“Be safe. That’s the number one message. Only swim between the flags, observe all rules of the water if out on the Broadwater and please, do not drink and drive,’’ she said.
“People will be everywhere given we have great weather predicted.
“So be patient, use public transport where possible and enjoy everything about our great city.’’