Warm welcome for new Aussies
A GOLD COAST couple who arrived in Australia almost a decade ago wanted to become citizens from the moment they arrived.
Rafael Menezes and Daniela Motta, originally from Brazil, became citizens yesterday morning in front of a packed crowd at the Gold Coast City Council ceremony.
The couple, who welcomed baby Lily into the world seven weeks ago, arrived in Australia nine years ago.
After spending seven years in Sydney they migrated further north to the Glitter Strip.
Ms Motta first came to Australia to study in 2009 and brought her husband Down Under shortly after.
“We loved it straight away. I went back home and I couldn’t find myself anymore,” she said.
Ten months later they moved their lives to Australia.
“We feel safe here, we believe in all of the things here in Australia, we like the people, it’s our home,” Ms Motta said.
“It feels good (to get citizenship) after so many years, we worked hard for it.”
Mr Menezes said the move wasn’t without sacrifices, leaving behind family and friends, but being citizens of their adopted country was a priority.
“It’s been a dream for about nine years. I made some sacrifices to stay here and today I got it,” he said.
Gabriel Teixeira, also from Brazil, took the pledge yesterday after 15 years here.
He came to the Gold Coast for the surf, he said.
“You dream when you’re young to surf the points on the Gold Coast and you see Kirra (Beach),” he said.
“I was living in New Zealand so I was trying to run away from the cold and we came for a holiday visa here, and then we liked it, so we decided to move here.”
A total of 278 conferees were confirmed as citizens at a number of ceremonies held across the Gold Coast.
Mayor Tom Tate said he knew how everyone was feeling having made the same pledge in May 1982.
“I recall how proud I was sitting there to be able to be part of the Australian community,” he said.
“It’s one of those days that’s going to be etched into your memory, and not just yours (but) your family’s as well.”