Australia’s newest citizens were welcomed to the Mackay region on Tuesday evening to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day.
73 people from 22 countries became Australians, welcomed by Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, councillors and members of parliament.
“There’s no doubt that Australia, today, the Australia we all enjoy, is one of the most prosperous, peaceful and wonderful places in the world that you could call home,” said Mr Williamson.
“We truly are a vibrant multicultural nation.”
Dale Martinez and his son Jaron were two of those welcomed to Australia on Tuesday.
Mr Martinez moved to Australia in 2016 to pursue a career in nursing, leaving his family in The Philippines.
After completing his course in Melbourne, he relocated to Mackay where his family joined him two years later.
“Weather-wise, it’s basically almost like back home in the Philippines: most of the time it’s hot,” he laughed.
Mr Martinez and his wife Maria Kristine both work in Mackay as nurses and have since built a house in the northern suburbs.
“Where we’re working, they’re really supportive of us career-wise and, of course, family-wise,” Mr Martinez said.
“It’s great, life is great, but of course, through hard work.”
Mr Martinez says he’s proud to become an Australian citizen.
“I couldn’t actually put it in one word,” he said.
“Being here from a different perspective, a different culture, is actually an eye opener.
“The way I see the world a few years back and the way I see it now is way different.
“I’d like to say thank you mainly to Australia for welcoming us here, having an opportunity stay here and live here and giving us the opportunity to be one of the people of here.”
