Welcome To Australia, Mate

The Whitsundays welcomed a host of new Australians to the rank of citizens over the past week at ceremonies in Bowen and Cannonvale.

Seven conferees were officially made citizens at their service at the Queens Beach Hotel in Bowen on Thursday, May 19, and 35 more conferees were welcomed the following Tuesday at the Reef Gateway Hotel.

Officiated by Acting Mayor Mike Brunker, the ceremonies were a special occasion for all involved with family and friends watching on with proud smiles and cries of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”

“Inducting citizens into the Australian community is a very important part of local government,” the Acting Mayor said.

“It’s a very special, important day for them. It’s fantastic – I have people from 22 years ago who will come up to me and say ‘Do you remember me? You gave me my citizenship 20 years ago. People remember them and cherish the days.”

In Bowen, Member for Burdekin Dale Last was a special dignitary on the day.

“It’s always nice to attend these ceremonies. They’re so excited to become new Australians citizens and permanent citizens of Australia, Mr Last said.

“To welcome them as Aussies, and particularly to regional places like Bowen, it’s a great thing.

“I extend my congratulations to all of them.”

Ambre Bougraud – a French expatriate - was just one of the new Australian citizens welcomed in the Bowen ceremony.

“It feels like a beautiful day. I feel privileged to be here and to be welcomed,” she said.

The 35 conferees in Cannonvale were joined by dignitaries including Councillor Al Grundy, Jan Clifford, and Gary Simpson, as well as Acting Mayor Mike Brunker.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm was unfortunately unable to attend, but celebrations were still in full swing as the new Australians cut the cake on a life down under.

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