General News
1 February, 2024
Shire welcomes new citizens
Last Friday’s citizenship ceremony stood out from its predecessors in more ways than one — with a heartwarming immigration story and two four-legged locals making the day unforgettable. On January 26, the Central Goldfields Shire welcomed 10 new...
Last Friday’s citizenship ceremony stood out from its predecessors in more ways than one — with a heartwarming immigration story and two four-legged locals making the day unforgettable.
On January 26, the Central Goldfields Shire welcomed 10 new citizens, all of whom hail from around the globe but now proudly call Australia home.
And who better than mayor Liesbeth Long, a migrant herself, to preside over the ceremony.
“Like our 10 residents, I was not born in Australia. I was born in the Netherlands,” Ms Long said as she addressed the crowd on the day.
She made the “incomprehensibly far” journey in 1982, accompanied by her parents, sisters and grandmother.
Four decades on, after living and travelling in some of the country’s most remote and scenic places, Ms Long has truly come a long way and is now a dual national.
“People have asked me how I can possibly have allegiance to two countries at the same time — I love them both as much, but perhaps in a slightly different way,” she said.
“I was born in the Netherlands, nothing can ever change that. It’s where I spent the first 13 years of my life but I’ve grown to love Australia.
“I am an Australian, I belong wholeheartedly here, in this beautiful country.”
For the soon-to-be citizens, there was no stronger message than what Ms Long said next.
“Now, it’s your turn to call yourselves Australians. I sincerely hope you will love it as much as I do, but something tells me you are already there,” she said, concluding her speech.
Sharing in that admiration for the country, was the Sarmiento household.
With mum, DJ and her two daughters Hannah and Brazil, among those who received their citizenship certificates during the ceremony.
While it’s common to have family in the bleachers, supporting their loved ones on the special day, the Sarmientos’ cheerleaders — two cavoodles — took centre stage.
Although the dogs stole the show, for DJ, the highlight was having her workmates in the audience.
“My daughters and I were pretty excited — we’re officially a part of this country,” she said.
“At the moment we have three citizenships because I’m originally from the Philippines then we moved to New Zealand before coming to Australia in 2017.
“It’s been so great being in the country, especially in Maryborough, because I think the whole family has really thrived here. I work at the Maryborough Hospital and my girls are also so active within the community. We’ve been really fortunate to have formed close connections here and so many people showed up to support us — this is home now.”
Fellow new citizen and a Red Lion resident, United Kingdom’s Michele Robson, was also appreciative of Australia’s values and what it stood for.
“I feel very proud and happy on becoming an Australian citizen,” she said.
“How fortunate [we are] to not only live in Australia, but in our district. Where there are many people doing all they can to help those less fortunate.
“I’ve found [there is] genuine warmth, friendliness and willingness to help others, in our local community, and that is something to be thankful for.
“I believe this is one of Australia’s strengths.”
The other new citizens are Teng Li, Qinyan Li, Elizabeth Louise McQueen, Rubina Ojha, Jobell Rodrigo Ahern and Keith Robson.
