MACHATTIE Park was the backdrop for the city’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony on Thursday where 36 people became Australian citizens.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Family, friends and members of the community converged at the park to celebrate the occasion.
Wiradyuri elder, Dinawan Dyirriband, Bill Allen, performed a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony saying he saw the citizenship ceremony as a new beginning” for all of us”.
Mayor of Bathurst Gary Rush, agreed, saying Australia Day isn’t an easy day for Aboriginal people.
“Two-hundred-and-twenty-nine years ago they [the Aboriginal community] welcomed immigrants to the shores of our country and we haven’t necessarily been respectful of the welcome afforded to us, or respected the original inhabitants of the land.
“But the reason for Dinawan joining in today is very significant, recognising it as the way forward, and forward together we will go,” he said.
Cr Rush welcomed all 36 new citizens, who originate from 13 different countries around the globe.
He said the ceremony said a lot about what the community endeavors to achieve, a truly inclusive community which will be “so much richer” from the culture and history these individuals bring to our community.
Among the group were the Lee family, who came to Australia from the UK over five years ago.
Robert Lee, his wife Tina, and their children Rachel, Matthew and David said it was always on the plan to become Australian citizens.
Mr Lee said the family immigrated to Australia for work, and better opportunities for their children.
“It was definitely more for the kids,” Mr Lee said of their move.
“I wanted to see my career out in mining which wouldn’t have happened in the UK, but we really moved for the kids and the opportunities they would have here.”
And on Thursday David, Rachel and Matthew were clearly appreciative of their parents decision to come to Bathurst, with all three saying they were very excited to become Australians.
Rachel said she was “pumped” to be an Australian, while her brother Matthew said “I feel very proud.”
Lynnett Stephen, who along with her parents also became citizens on Thursday, said it was an “exciting day” for her and her family.
The family came from India because Australia offered better career opportunities for them.
Lynnett also said she loved the toy koala given to her by Mayor of Bathurst Gary Rush.
Following Thursday’s ceremony, everyone enjoyed morning tea eating Anzac biscuits and lamingtons.
