Cheers for new 21: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
Daniel Burdon
02Jul09
Mayor Damien Ryan congratulates Sheeja Antony, his wife Goury Somakumar, son Frank Antony Chelappadan and daughter Sneha Somakumaran. Picture:DERRICK DEN HOLLANDER
MORE than 60 people turned out to see 21 migrants become Australian citizens during the Territory Day Citizenship Ceremony yesterday morning.
Among the people present were Territory Opposition politicians, local community figures, Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan and Deputy Administrator Pat Miller and friends and family of the many people taking the ceremony.The final step towards becoming an Australian citizen marks the future of a person's life and the freedoms that Australia offers as "the lucky country''. But also means citizens must abide by laws and respect for others' rights as well.A message from Immigration Minister Chris Evans was read out stating that four million migrants from some 200 countries were now living in the nation.Mr Ryan said the ceremony was important and people should remember that by taking the Oath of Allegiance, they should also aim to reach their full potential as citizens.As each citizenship certificate was given out, long-term resident Michelle Castagna gave out a hearty "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie,'' while almost all of those present responded with "Oi, Oi, Oi!''.Those who took the Oath of Allegiance recipients were:Sheeja Antony, Frank Antony Chelappadan, Anthony Chelappadan Francis, Carolyn Enthoven, Jamie Keith Haestier, Brian Kennedy, Kevin Konigs, Innocent Madamombe, Goury Somakumar Nair and Sneha Somakumaran, Somakumaran Nair, Pravinkumar Panchal and Nirali Panchal and I Gede Ragia and son I Made Victor Wisata Abadi.Giving Affirmations of Allegiance were: Stuart John Bright, Hans Paul Albert Hertsens, Farzana Shirin Hoq, Glenn Aaron Humphrey and Debora Rigano.
