Congratulations to our newest citizens

29 August 2018

Western Downs has officially welcomed 15 new Australian citizens following the Citizenship Ceremony held in conjunction with Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival.

One of these was teenager Georgia Houseman, who arrived in Dalby from South Africa in 2012.

“My family first moved from Cape Town to New South Wales in June, then we settled in Dalby later that year,” Georgia said.

“I like living in Dalby because there are lovely opportunities here for people who enjoy small town living.

“It’s the kind of town where you get to know everyone, which is awesome.

“I was glad to attend the ceremony because the certificate in a way validates my path to becoming an Aussie.

“Now that I am officially a citizen I plan to start a University degree next year.”

The Citizenship Ceremony was held in conjunction with Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival.

Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said that these events are for many, the culmination of a long journey towards becoming an Australian citizen.

“We really enjoy opportunities such as these, for us to officially welcome new citizens into our community,” Cr Maguire said.

“People who took part in the ceremony also received a Robyn Gordon Grevillea plant, the floral emblem of the Western Downs which was actually developed here so is very special to us.”

For more information on becoming an Australian citizen, contact the Department of Home Affairs via their website.

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Media Contact: Melanie Coultas | Senior Media Relations Officer | 0419 048 594