Darwin, Palmerston welcome Territory’s newest citizens in Australia Day ceremony
More than 100 new citizens from more than 20 different countries have been sworn in at 2024 Australia Day citizenship ceremony across the Top End.
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More than 100 residents from at least 20 different countries have been sworn in as Australian citizens at special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremonies in Darwin and Palmerston on Friday.
In Darwin, 54 new citizens from 21 different countries were welcomed to the Territory.
The Darwin Convention Centre was filled with applause, laughter and cheers as Darwin’s newest Australians stepped up to receive their certificate and get their photo taken with Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis.
Mr Vatskalis took to the stage to welcome the crowd before the ceremony got under way, including a welcome to country, didgeridoo performance and flag raising ceremony.
“Australia Day is a day to celebrate the Australian spirit and our cultural diversity, achievements and resilience,” he said.
“It is a special time to welcome those who have decided to make Australia and in particular Darwin, their new home.
“However, it is also important to acknowledge First Nations Australians who have been conducting their ceremonies on this land for tens of thousands of years.”
Slovakian-born Peter Augustin said becoming a citizen after being in Australia for eight years felt like “a big weight lifted off my shoulders”.
“It’s been a long journey but finally I am Australian,” he said.
“It’s also a new beginning for me but one chapter is ending.”
Sunny Liu, who came from China 10 years ago to study at CDU, said she was “proud” to become an Australian after finding it hard to leave after she completed her education.
“I initially came to Australia, to Darwin, to study, to get a uni degree,” she said.
“But I decided to stay on because I just love Australia so much. I love the lifestyle, the people here and how multicultural it is.”
Taponarini Reason Masaya came to Australia from Zimbabwe nearly six years ago when offered a job by KPMG Australia and decided to stay and call Darwin home after a short stint in Melbourne.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said.
“I have been waiting for five and a half years and it is finally the day so I am very happy.
“I came over in 2018 and did two and a half years in Melbourne and came to Darwin in 2020 and just loved it straight away.”
Hema Giri was born in Nepal before coming to Darwin to study nursing and is now proud to call Australia home.
“Being an Australian citizen is a privilege and comes with a sense of belonging to this beautiful country,” she said.
“Ever since I left home it kind of felt like I haven’t belonged anywhere but today is the day where it feels like I found my home. It’s beautiful.”
Hmwe Hmwe Kyaw was born in Myanmar and said she had learnt a lot since coming to Australia and Friday was a special occasion.
“This moment marks a significant chapter in my life and I feel very privileged to be a part of the Australian community,” she said.
“I am honoured to call this land home and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead now I am a proud Australian citizen.”
Australia Day Council chairman Richard Fejo took to the dais following the citizenship ceremony and spoke on Australia’s rich multiculturalism.
“We will continue to foster a sense of belonging for everyone, appreciating the richness and diversity it brings to our communities,” he said.
“As we enjoy the festivities of Australia Day let’s not only celebrate our achievements but continue to foster a nation where everyone feels accepted and embraced.”
Palmerston Australia Day Awards Ceremony
Meanwhile in Palmerston, 48 residents from 17 different countries took their pledge as Australian citizens before a packed audience of more than 200 people.
The Palmerston Recreation Centre stood still as a hair-raising Welcome to Country and ADF flag ceremony began proceedings.
Solomon MP Luke Gosling addressed the newly sworn-in citizens.
“Thank you for deciding to become Australian citizens,” he said.
“In Australia, everyone can be proud of who they are.”
NT Administrator Hugh Heggie, Chief Minister Eva Lawler and opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro were also in attendance.
One new citizen, Jeremy George Jacob, was born in India and said he was thrilled to become Australian.
“It was really exciting, it’s been a really good week and I had my family members up from Melbourne to be here,” he said.
“It means a lot to everyone, certainly my family and I.”
The City of Palmerston also paid homage to its citizens young and old, with a series of awards announced.
Longtime resident Neville Driver was awarded Citizen of the Year for his efforts in establishing a transportation program designed to foster social connections among Palmerston’s senior community.
Jessica Porter was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication and advocacy in supporting young adults in post-school pathways.
The Community Event of the Year went to volunteer organisation the Eat Up Project – a group which delivers thousands of sandwiches each year to disadvantaged school children.
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