Bundaberg Regional Council’s Citizenship Ceremony this morning welcomed 35 new Australians from 18 countries.
The new citizens, their family and friends enjoyed the heartfelt Citizenship Ceremony and entertainment from Rhythms of the Reef and were presented with a commemorative certificate and golden penda tree.
Citizenship Ceremony step to better future
The Wilson family from South Africa has been here for 8 years and the family of four, Owen and Manolia, and their children Declan and Mikha, all became Australian citizens this morning.
Owen and Manolia are both school chaplains, looking after 5 primary schools in the Bundaberg region.
Owen said it was a momentous day.
“Today is the final step we needed to take for a better future for our kids,” he said.
Torgeir Kvernhusvik also became an Australian citizen this morning.
Torgs, as he is known, moved from Norway to Australia 5 and a half years ago to take up a radiography position in Cairns.
“It was so hot in Cairns – I lasted one wet season,” Torgs joked.
He then applied for a radiography position at Bundaberg Base Hospital and started five years ago to the day.
Torgs found love at work and he and fellow radiographer Amy are now engaged to be married.
“Today is a natural progression to be part of this society and commit to the country.”
The 35 new Australians at today's Citizenship Ceremony have come from around the world – New Zealand, Philippines, French Guiana, Germany, South Africa, Nepal, Pakistan. UK, Fiji, Thailand, India, Norway, Netherlands, United States, Bahrain, Canada, Russian Federation and Taiwan.
Citizenship Ceremonies are held every two months, with the next Citizenship Ceremony scheduled for May 2020. To find out more about becoming an Australian citizen visit Council’s website here.
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