Mel has recently said that citizenship ceremonies are the most treasured parts of her job. She was humbled to be able to be part of such an extraordinary moment in someone’s life and to be able to share those memories with them. Not only just to welcome them as Australian citizens but also into our region and community.
Although many of us do not realise, becoming an Australian citizen is no simple feat. It takes years of patience for these families and individuals, who are often escaping traumas and issues in their own countries. Many inter-national couples are forced to separate for many months while trying to earn their citizenship, so this is a truly life changing and momentous moment.
People are drawn to Australia for our way of life, diverse opportunities and, especially in the current climate, for its safety. Mel says it is a rare treasure to be able to celebrate the incredible diversity of each new citizen as well as the shared values and freedoms they hold amongst them now as Australians.
In In 2019-20 we welcomed 204,817 new Australian citizens, almost double the year before. This is a true testament to the growing acceptance of diversity in Australian culture and the beauties it has to offer. The outbreak of COVD-19 has delayed the process for many new, soon-to-be citizens and Mel was so grateful to be able to welcome more Australian citizens and attend another ceremony this January despite the challenges the pandemic have created.
Congratulations to all our new citizens and here is to many more coming in the future!
