57 new citizens speak in harmony of passion for Australia
Published on 25 March 2022
Everyone belongs. The theme of this year’s Harmony Week was embraced passionately in Rathmines on Friday as almost 60 people from all corners of the globe became Australian citizens.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said seeing people from so many cultural and ethnic backgrounds making the citizenship pledge of commitment drove home the importance of acceptance in our community.
“Everyone has their own story to tell about how they got here and why they decided to become an Australian citizen,” she said.
“But I am sure the one thing they all have in common is their passion to contribute to our community and make it a better place. Cultural diversity is such an important part of who we are in Lake Macquarie. It adds depth and richness to everything we do.”
A total 57 people from 27 countries took part in Friday’s ceremony.
Nations represented included India, China, Poland, Egypt, Uganda, Samoa, Iran, Italy, Ireland, Cambodia, Chile and the USA.
Margaret Day came to Australia seven years ago from Nigeria, and, with son Kallen in her arms, proudly became an Aussie citizen at the ceremony.
“I love the people here – I love how open and friendly they are. This is just a very welcoming place,” she said.
“It has felt like home from day one. Becoming a citizen makes me feel like I have put my roots down.”
Nirab Karki and wife Surekha Basnet Karki ended up in Lake Mac after immigrating from Nepal in 2012, with Nirab pursuing an internship in construction.
“I like the multiculturalism, and I like the weather – especially here,” Mr Karki said.
“We’ve been here for a long time now and we have a daughter now, so we made that decision (to become citizens) to support her as well.”
Citizenship ceremonies are among the hundreds of events held in Australia each year during Harmony Week, which celebrates multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into the community.
Schools across Lake Mac also took part in Harmony Week celebrations, with students dressing in orange to mark the occasion.
According to the Federal Government, orange “signifies social communication and meaningful conversations”.
It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.