Mount Isa has welcomed 15 new Australia citizens during Australia Day celebrations on Wednesday January 26.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The citizenship ceremony was held in conjunction with the Australia Day awards celebrating all success of locals in the region at Buchanan Entertainment Centre.
Mount Isa City Mayor Danielle Slade congratulated all participants in becoming an Australian citizen
"I personally congratulate each and everyone of you on your decision to become an Australian citizen," she said.
"Australian citizenship is a common bond involving reciprocal rights and obligations uniting Australians by respecting their diversity.
"Persons who undertake Australian Citizenship accept the obligations of pledging loyalty to Australian and its people, by sharing their democratic beliefs, by respecting their rights and liberties and upholding and obeying the laws of Australia.
"Taking your pledge here today is the final step in you becoming an Australian citizen."
New citizens made their pledge and affirmation before receiving their certificates and singing the national anthem.
Mount Isa's new citizens include:
- Ishani Niluka Senaratne Candauda Arachchige
- Sherinmol Mampuzhackal Joseph
- Suthin Phasawat
- Muhammad Amjad Rashid
- Muhammad Hasan Amjad
- Deborah Gail van de Meeberg
- Gerrit Johannes van de Meeberg
- Joanna Barrera Capuno
- Joe Luis Capuno
- Sanjay Ravinesh Chand
- Darshika Devi
- Ackroyd Zvidzai Kwaramba
- Michelle Tariro Kwaramba
- Roselyn Kwaramba
- Tatenda Charles Kwaramba
KAP State Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter also congratulated the recipients.
"Congratulations to all our new citizens of Mount Isa, we love that you've chosen here to live," Mr Kater said.
"I feel very proud to be adopted onto this land and the proud heritage that I am part of after many thousands of years with First Australians here before us.
"I noticed there are a lot of political discussions around Australia Day and what it means. I try not to think to much about what that means nationally, but about what it means to me here on the ground and I think that is important thing in the context of looking at all the award winners here today.
"I think Mount Isa resonates really what Australia Day means to me, which is an appreciation for diversity. It doesn't matter what footy club, church, or community group your a part of, you can see many places to get involved in around Mount Isa and that's a beautiful thing. We appreciate that people have different views, backgrounds and that we all get along."
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.