By Parker McKenzie
The Yarra Ranges’ 39 newest Australian citizens were joined by family, friends and dignitaries at the Civic Centre in Lilydale, where the council presented them with their citizenship certificates and celebrated their milestone.
Before the ceremony, a pianist played classic Australian songs like Waltzing Matilda to the room, while children and families waved Australian flags provided by Yarra Ranges Council.
Yarra Ranges Deputy Mayor Sophie Todorov opened the ceremony before Mayor Jim Child invited Wurundjeri woman Julie Coombes to perform a Welcome to Country.
Mayor Child said it was a special privilege to welcome the new citizens as Australians.
“Australian citizenship symbolizes our unity as a nation, it is the common bond that unites all Australians,” he said.
“Whether you are born here or have chosen to make Australia your home by becoming an Australian citizen, you become a full and formal member of our democratic society.”
Federal MP for Casey Aaron Violi spoke next, reading a message on behalf of Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles.
“Today you join a nation that is one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies with half of all Australians either born overseas or with at least one parent born overseas,” he said.
“We believe in a society where everyone is equal, regardless of their gender, faith, sexual orientation, age, ability, race, national or ethnic origin.”
Those in attendance receiving their citizenships were invited to the front of the room, where they made the pledge of commitment, a legal requirement for becoming an Australian citizen for those over the age of 16.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino and Mr Violi talked about their experiences and the diversity within the Yarra Ranges and Australia, before Mayor Child invited everyone to join in singing the National Anthem. Councillors Fiona MacAllister, David Eastham, Tim Heenan, Andrew Fullagar and Len Cox were also in attendance.
After the ceremony, those receiving their citizenships spoke to the Star Mail about how they planned to spend their first day as Australian citizens.
Siblings Josh, Jessica May and Joven Mark Mari Crisotomo Athelm received their citizenship together, after emigrating separately from the Philippines over the last 10 years.
“We’ll probably have a barbeque,” Josh joked.
“We will go out for lunch in the city together and celebrate.”
Emma Fautle said she moved from Canada to Australia over five years ago.
“We’ll be going home to eat more lamingtons,” she said, with the remains of the first batch still on her young son Kody’s face.
Nick Farmer and Kat Owen said they’d be going to Lake Eildon to celebrate Mr Farmer receiving his citizenship, who moved to Australia from Cornwall in England.
“It’s almost seven years to the day,” he said.
Kuda Arachchillage Madhavi Chandrasekara said she would be going home to celebrate with her parents and family, who were visiting from Sri Lanka, before doing a photoshoot at Lillydale Lake.
“Since moving, my life slowed down in a way that I could find myself and I am grateful for Australia. I have time for my own development and to give something back to the country,” she said.
“The situation in Sri Lanka wasn’t easy, coming here and having time to focus on myself and my family is the most important thing. It wasn’t easy for me to leave my country, but Australia has become my second home.”
