Australia Day: Naval salute for our newest citizens

It was a spectacular half-century when 51 of Australia’s newest citizens joined navy crew onboard HMAS Canberra after being sworn in on Sydney Harbour.

Navy officers play cricket on board HMAS Canberra on Australia Day in Sydney. Picture: Nikki Short

There may not have been a cricket pitch in sight but it was a spectacular half-century when 51 of Australia’s newest citizens joined navy crew onboard HMAS Canberra after being sworn in during an Australia Day ceremony on Sydney Harbour.

The final notes of the national anthem hung in the air as SES ­volunteer Dawn Francis and fellow new Australians swore their ­allegiance to Australia in front of dignitaries, including NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, and their loved ones.

Ms Francis, originally from ­England, said she was overjoyed to finally be able to describe herself as a true Australian after living in Sydney for the past seven years.

“It’s a beautiful day and such a stunning place to be on the harbour aboard Canberra,” she said.

New citizen Somalie Mpagi Nakimera aboard HMAS Canberra. Picture: Nikki Short

For some, becoming an Australian citizen meant having a second home. Samalie Mpagi Nakimera, from Uganda has been in Australia for five years and will now hold dual citizenship.

She has joined her two siblings and sister-in-law who are already Australian citizens.

“I love that I finally get to vote and it feels like I have become part of this huge family Down Under. It is definitely home,” she said.

Ms Beazley awarded certificates to 51 new citizens from 21 countries. It was a scene replicated across the nation at 454 ceremonies, with a record 27,419 new Australians receiving their citizenship certificates.

Love was the first attraction for many of the new citizens in deciding to become fully fledged Australians.

Spanish-born David Corrochano Carril met his Australian wife Shaye while she was working as an au pair in Madrid in 2013.

“Love was definitely the reason why I came to Australia and ­decided to stay here,” Mr Corrochano Carril said after his swearing-in at a separate ceremony at the Opera House. “Seven years later, we are married and have a little family.”

Working on a farm called ‘‘Australia’’ at home in Colombia, Jan Suarez Murcia was inspired by the opportunity to learn English and travel, when love prevailed.

“I decided to migrate when I met my wife … and now my life is here as an Australian — from the farm in outback Colombia called Australia to the real thing,” he said.

Ms Beazley also paid tribute to 50 Rural Fire Service volunteer and their families onboard HMAS Canberra on Sunday who were ­invited to the ceremony.

HMAS Canberra captain Terry Morrison said it was an honour to host the volunteers.

“The Royal Australian Navy has been part of the fires we fought down south with HMAS Adelaide and Choules,” she said.

East Jindabyne RFS Volunteer Jake Roarty and son Harrison aboard HMAS Canberra on Australia Day. Picture: Nikki Short

The ship’s sister vessel, HMAS Adelaide, had originally been scheduled to host the event, but was on standby notice for firefighting duties.

Upper Colo RFS Captain Paul Bryant said it was touching for the ceremony to honour the work of the RFS.

“For me it’s great to recognise the work of our brigade members and the work and effort of everyone, whether you are on the front line or the support crew.

“We do it for the main reason of looking after the community, so this is an added bonus.”

Ms Beazley paid tribute to the fire season’s emergency services, before receiving a 21-gun salute fired from Bradfield Park in North Sydney.

“They have contributed a staggering number of hours in protecting our lives, our property, flora and fauna,” she told the crowd.

“We have seen the best of the international community who have come to help and we mourn the loss of the three American firefighters whose plane crashed on Thursday.”

She urged attendees to support bushfire-affected towns by buying from small rural businesses.