G’day mate – city welcomes new citizens

GRAGANDEEP Kaur Mann came to Australia from India 10 years ago as a student.

Last Saturday, after reciting her affirmation, collecting her certificate, a native plant, a gift and shaking hands with the dignitaries, she officially became an Australian citizen at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony held on 26 January.

Winter Valley resident Mrs Mann said, “This is a very important day for me, I am welcome in this country.

“After 10 years Australia is now my home, I got married, have a family and a job and feel very settled.”

About 50 new citizens from countries, including India, the Philippines, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Serbia, the United States, Ireland, Germany, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Nepal, made their pledge of commitment to Australia and became citizens.

Catherine King, federal member for Ballarat told the new citizens, “It’s a big deal taking that decision to become Australian citizens.”

“You enrich our country, Australia would be a much poorer country if it were not for the huge diversity of backgrounds and cultures we have here today.”

Dr Badrika Kahawatta, recruited as a GP from Sri Lanka to come to Australia, arrived in Swan Hill five years ago.

He then relocated to Ballarat about 12 months ago.

His wife Chamika Gamage, also a GP, said even from the first day they arrived in Swan Hill they were made to feel welcome.

That welcome has continued with the family now living in Ballarat North.

“We are fortunate to live in this safe country, and we are happy our girls will grow up here,” Ms Gamage said.