Backdrop adds to ceremony
CROCODILES, dingoes and an assortment of other native animals bore witness as 61 residents became Australian citizens at Billabong Sanctuary yesterday.
To mark National Citizenship Day, Townsville City Council held its latest citizenship ceremony at Billabong Sanctuary.
It gave nine families and 32 individuals the opportunity to take the oath surrounded by native flora and fauna.
Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said holding the event at Billabong was a great way to celebrate becoming an Aussie.
“Council hosts citizenship ceremonies monthly, usually at the Mayoral Reception Room at City Hall in the CBD,” Mr Molachino said.
“As today is National Citizenship Day, we thought it would be a great idea to host the ceremony at Billabong, which provides a uniquely Australian backdrop for our new citizens as they take their oath.”
So far this year, 374 people have taken the oath and become Australian citizens in ceremonies held locally.
Mr Molachino said citizenship ceremonies were one of the best parts of being a councillor.
“Our national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, sums it up the best – ‘For those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share’. Australia is a great place to call home and we’re a welcoming society.
“Our newest citizens are already contributing to our city in a variety of ways and it’s great that they have made
the choice to become official Aussies.”
Dr Akhtar Mahmood and his wife Aysha were born in Pakistan and have been working and living in Charters Towers for the past 21 years. When he first came to Australia from Pakistan he applied for a job as a doctor and he was offered a position in the Gold City.
“We have been living here
for the past 21 years and all of our kids have grown up here,” Dr Mahmood said.
Two of their children were also made Australian citizens in the ceremony. Afan Mahmood is following in his father’s footsteps and is studying to be a doctor while his sister Ifrah is a graphic designer.
“Australia has a great culture, a great atmosphere and
it is safe to live here as well and you get a lot of freedom as well,” Ms Mahmood said.
Cara Horsfield, along with her husband Ben, also became Australian citizens at the event moving here from Canada in 2013.
“Becoming a citizen makes Australia our home,” Mrs Horsfield said. “The Australian people have been so welcoming to us.”