More than 80 people become new Australian citizens in Darwin and Palmerston ceremonies
A TOTAL of 83 people are celebrating their first day as new Australian citizens in the Top End today, affirming themselves to the Australian flag.
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A TOTAL of 83 people are celebrating their first day as new Australian citizens in the Top End today, affirming themselves to the Australian flag.
At a City of Darwin ceremony this Australia Day, 57 people made the Australian citizenship pledge, while in Palmerston 26 people became new citizens.
For Atilano Esquibel and his family, it was a moment that has been almost 10 years in the making.
“It’s a very important thing for us to be Australian citizens, it’s like living in a way of life that’s not the same as what we had, we won’t be struggling here,” he said.
“It’s a relief … the governments here is very good and the way of life is much better than what we had before. It’s a more secure life here.”
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Originally from Nepal, Maheshwor and Aarjan Devkota and Deepika Devkota Sharma said they were looking forward to living and working in Australia after first moving here five years ago.
“It’s a fantastic feeling for us, we're very proud and are feeling very happy to be a part of Australia,” Maheshwor said.
“The fantastic thing here is the multiculturalism and how welcoming everyone is.”
Australia Day Council chairman Edwin Joseph said regardless of what connotations surrounded the January 26 date, it was important to hold ceremonies like yesterday’s.
“Australia Day is not about the date, it is an important date to celebrate that all Australians are one and free, reflecting the recent change in our national anthem,” he said.
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Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said while it was important to welcome new citizens with open arms, an important part of upholding cultural identity was acknowledging the past.
“Today is a time to remember the mistakes we made in the past and learn from them, never to repeat them again,” he said.
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