Lismore’s newest citizens last pledge under Queen Elizabeth II
Oi, oi, oi - but it was a final moment in history as Lismore locals became dinky-di under the gaze of the now late Queen.
Lismore
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Sixteen people stepped up and achieved their desire to become citizens of a country they hold dear in their hearts at a unique ceremony at Lismore council.
Friends and relatives cheered and clapped as mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the new Australians at their citizenship ceremony.
Cr Krieg said Friday’s was the last citizenship ceremony with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as the Australian government needed to ask permission to keep the Queen’s portrait for citizenship ceremonies after her funeral.
“This ceremony brings them to the final step which shows their loyalty to Australia,” Mr Krieg said.
“This means they wish to become one of us and want to call Australia home.”
The new Australians herald from the Philippines, UK, USA, NZ, Russia, Colombia, Netherlands, Spain, China and Brazil.
Anta Halliday, a registered nurse who has been in Australia for 15 years, said she is glad to finally be with the rest of her family.
“And now I can vote,” she said.
Angel Abordo is retired yet has been working a little with Mountain Blue picking blueberries.
He also volunteers in local nursing homes and has been in and out of Australia for a period of around 15 years.
“I am very proud and so happy,” Mr Abordo said.
Colleen Rodd is a research scientist at Southern Cross University.
She has been living in the Northern Rivers for 13 years.
“It’s an amazing place,” she said, “filled with amazing people and a welcoming community.”
Nemo Chester, from Nimbin, is a carpenter who has been living in the area for 32 years.
“It feels like I can be part of the community now,” he said, “I can vote and have my say.”
Daria Easton is a displaced social worker and trauma councillor. She was working in Lismore and has been moving around in her van while trying to secure long-term accommodation.
Besides this fact she has lived in the Lismore region for 11 years.
“Being displaced is hard,” she said, “I miss my friends and family.”
Optimistic, Ms Easton said becoming an Australian citizen made her feel that she finally has a sense of belonging in the community.
“I have the same values and way of life,” she said, “Now I can say I’m an Aussie!”
Kevin Byres, Eleida Muniz, Sophia Moreira Muniz, Edmund Curran, Nicola Ribbon, Catherine Eaton, Simon Fryatt, Nemo Chester, Luz Gomez Parra also Marta Ribon Calabia, also received their Australian citizenship on Friday. Jieyi Yang and Katherine Brown were unable to attend.
Friday’s ceremony coincided with Australian Citizenship Day, an annual event held on September 17 since 2001.
The day is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on:
– the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship
– responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.
Whether we are citizens through birth or by active choice, it is a chance for all Australians to:
– take pride in our citizenship
– celebrate our democratic values
– think about what unites us as Australians.
Every year on this day, Australia welcomes thousands of new citizens in local communities across the nation.
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