A group of 20 people from seven countries will officially join the Australian family at a special citizenship ceremony in Burnie, Tasmania today to launch Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.
They are the first of thousands of people who will become citizens on and around Australian Citizenship Day, which is celebrated each year on September 17.
Helping Kaoru Tanaka to translate local slang was a labour of love for his wife, Cathy, ahead of Kaoru officially becoming a dinkum Australian bloke at today’s ceremony. Language brought them together when Cathy, a Tasmanian, was teaching English in Japan and Kaoru was one of her students.
Cathy said when they first moved to Tasmania, everyday English proved quite a challenge for Kaoru.
“On his second day here, our neighbours greeted him with ‘Ow are ya?’,” she said. “I explained it was the Aussie way to ask ‘How are you?’ and Kaoru spent a day practising saying ‘Ow are ya?’.”
Kaoru said Australia’s settlement services had assisted him to establish his new life and become a part of the community.
Tasmania’s 2010 Local Hero winner, teacher Delwyn Polden, is guest speaker at the launch and will lead the Leighland Christian School choir in performing the National Anthem.
“Ms Polden is a great example of an Australian citizen who inspires others and gives so much to her local community,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said. ”She has developed a reputation as a dedicated and inspirational music teacher who works tirelessly and selflessly to improve the lives of others.”
Some 3 600 people from 118 countries will become citizens at 69 ceremonies across Australia on and around September 17, a day for all Australians to take pride in their citizenship and reflect on its importance. Ceremonies will be staged in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra on Australian Citizenship Day.
“Citizenship represents a commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises our sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or have decided to make our home,” the spokesman said.
“Australian Citizenship Day provides an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate being part of the nation.”
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