Australian citizenship worth the wait for Kyneton’s Errol Hunter

A life-threatening incident, and many other twists and turns, threatened to derail Errol Hunter’s passionate push to become an Australian citizen. But with the love and encouragement of his children, Errol can now celebrate.

Errol Hunter, from Bupa Age care in Kyneton, finally calls Australia home. Picture: Rob Leeson

Errol Hunter can finally call Australia home.

The Kyneton resident is looking forward to the next chapter of his life after a ceremony at Bupa Aged Care late last month.

“I went to sea at the age of 15, and I’ve been back to South Africa on and off over the years,” he said.

“We left for good in 1992 and then moved to South Korea and Japan, then onto Australia in 1997.”

Mr Hunter said the path to citizenship was worth the wait.

Speaking before the ceremony, he said he had tried to get citizenship a few years ago when he retired in 2011 “and we started the process, but unfortunately I had a stroke and it fell off the list of things to do but with help from my children, I am proud that I’ll soon be an Australian citizen”.

Macedon Ranges mayor Janet Peace said the ceremony gave Mr Hunter and is family more than just a certificate.

“Becoming a citizen is a very happy and moving occasion for Mr Hunter and his family,” she said. “Due to these extraordinary circumstances, I am really pleased to be part of the ceremony at Bupa Kyneton.”

Mr Hunter said landing in Australia meant a golden opportunity for his young family.

“I had to learn many different languages to survive in Japan, Korea and Australia,” he said.

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“We had family in Australia and at the time we moved, my daughter was 10 and son 14. We came here for a better life.”

Bupa Kyneton general manager Aida Salihovic said it was a privelige to host the citizenship ceremony.

“It is an accomplishment for Errol, and has been a goal of his for quite some time, and we feel extremely honoured to be there for him on the day,” she said.