WHAT'S - City of Wanneroo

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SpECTACULAR CEREMONY WELCOMES THOUSANDS
kiNgSWAy REgiONAL SpORTiNg
COMpLEx WAS A SpECTACLE OF
COLOUR AND EMOTiON ON AUSTRALiA
DAy, AT THE NORTH METROpOLiTAN
ZONE CiTiZENSHip CEREMONy -
THE biggEST EvER TO bE HELD iN THE
NATiON.
For more than 2600 people from
95 different countries around the world, it
was the beginning of a new chapter of their
life - as an Australian citizen.
The ceremony was a joint initiative of the
Cities of Joondalup, Stirling and host City,
Wanneroo, with Mayor Jon Kelly saying it
was a proud moment to watch so many
people become Australians.
“It was obvious that the occasion
meant so much to so many of the
new citizens,” Mayor Kelly said. “Not
only were they becoming citizens of
what many consider to be the luckiest
country in the world, but they were
doing it on such a momentous occasion
and a record-breaking day.”
Keynote speaker, Australian icon Ernie
Dingo, spoke about what it meant to him
to be Australian, and spent time before and
after the ceremony getting to know his new
compatriots.
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Other special guests included WA Premier
Colin Barnett, Federal Immigration Minister
Chris Evans and Olympic gold medallist Elise
Rechichi.
Mayor Jon Kelly was joined by the Mayors
of Joondalup and Stirling on stage under
the big top marquee during the ceremony.
Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said the
North Metropolitan Zone Australia Day
Citizenship Ceremony was a wonderful
event that highlighted what can be
achieved when Local Governments
form positive relationships and strategic
partnerships for the benefit of their local
communities.
“This remarkable ceremony brought
thousands of people from different
races, cultures and backgrounds
together,” he said.
Stirling Mayor David Boothman agreed
saying it was a memorable day for those
becoming citizens on this iconic day on our
National calendar.
“I know what a proud moment it is to
become an Australian citizen, having
received mine in 1985 from the Shire of
Wanneroo,” he said.
Mayor Kelly said the day was a resounding
success.
“Major events like this rarely go like
clockwork, but this one did, making it a
great day for all the new citizens,”
he said.
“Congratulations to all staff who
worked so hard behind the scenes to
make it run so smoothly.”
A special moment for the new Citizens was
the Welcome to Country from Oriel Green,
and television personality Tina Altieri was
Master of Ceremonies.
The crowd especially enjoyed the singing of
classic Australian songs ‘Waltzing Matilda’
and ‘I am Australian’ by the Variety Club
Youth Choir - with thousands also joining in
a rendition of the National Anthem for the
first time as Australians.
After the ceremony, citizens received a
momentous picnic rug and were treated to
a barbeque in true Aussie style.
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