There was a pervading atmosphere of celebration in the Council Chambers at MidCoast Council’s Taree premises as 19 proud people took the Australian Citizenship Pledge and became bona fide Australians on Thursday, April 19.
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MidCoast Mayor David West, in official regalia, officiated over the citizenship ceremony, with MidCoast Council acting general manager Steve Embry and executive assistant Lineve Dwyer by his side.
Cr West read a welcome message from the Minister for Immigration and Border Control, Peter Dutton, then welcomed the candidates personally.
“I’m pleased to see so many citizenship candidates here today. I would like to congratulate each of you on you your decision to become an Australian citizen. A decision not only welcomed by me, but by all Australians,” Cr West said.
After taking the Australian Citizenship Pledge, Cr West congratulated the new citizens.
“On behalf of all Australians, in particular the people of the Mid North Coast, I congratulate you and wish you and your families well in the future as an Australian citizen,” he said.
The new Australians were each presented with a framed certificate, a potted native plum tree and a little Australian Flag.
Mr Mallikarjun Edaggotti and his wife Vinusha Kandikattu moved to Australia 10 years ago and have been living in the Manning Valley for four years. They, and their Australian-born daughter Sansita Edaggotti, all became citizens in the ceremony.
“I feel very proud to become Australian. I feel very secure in this country and all the people are friendly and I’m really thankful with all the people here to be living in this community. I like to be an Australian for ever and ever,” Mr Edaggotti said.
Mrs Chou Yoong Bosher, originally from Malaysia, has been living in Australia 19 years before becoming an ‘official’ Australian. She met her husband-to-be, Alan Bosher around six years ago, and have now been married just over two years.
“I feel very happy and very excited. I like Australia very very much,” Mrs Bosher said.
The other people to become Australian citizens were Ester Limschneider - Indonesia; Chatphon Manosombat - Thailand; Reno Rieger - Austria; Rosalyn Robins, Patricia, Elijah, Gregorio and Kenzo Cruz Roxas – Philippines; Bishwa Sapkota - Nepal; Elizabeth Sharpe - Scotland; Jessica Smith - United States; Robyn Thomas - Canada; Sai Mun Cheow - Malaysia; Timothy Kingswell - United Kingdom and Islay Kingswell - Australia.
Cr West delights in performing citizenship ceremonies.
“I’ve done this on three occasions. I woke up this morning and I thought, ‘I wonder if the people we’re going to bestow citizenship on know how honoured I am to be here to do this’,” Cr West said.
“I’m just really David West, but when I have these robes on I represent the institution of Australia. And the symbolism is what these robes represent and I go a bit goosebumpy. I honestly am humbled by the fact that I have this role to play.
“And without a doubt, apart from all of the other functions you do, it makes being a mayor an important role - not the individual, but the symbol of the office. It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s such a joy,” he said.