There were cheers at The J Theatre on Australia Day when about 40 people from around the world were told they were now Australian citizens after completing their offical requirements with the reciting of a pledge during a citizenship ceremony last Friday.
Amanda and Dave of Jazz strings set the atmosphere with some stirring renditions of Aussie favourites before MC on the day, Noosa poet, Ian McKay, announced that the event marked the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenship.
“Seventy-five years ago on 26 January the Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1949 came into effect creating a new status of Australian citizen,” he said.
“Before that there was no legal status as an Australian citizen, everyone was considered to be British subjects.
“Since 1949 more than six million people from over 200 nations have been granted Australian citizenship.”
A proud Australian marking her 31st year as an Australia Day ambassador, long distance swimmer Susie Moroney was guest speaker at the event.
Susie was happy to be in Noosa for the occasion and particularly pleased to be able to arrive by car, she told guest, after being asked to swim to previous engagements including one in Newcastle which took her two days to complete from Sydney.
Susie Moroney became famous for her incredible swimming achievements. Among them, at age 15, she became the youngest and fastest Australian to swim the English Channel and in another, the first person ever to complete a 115 mile-swim from Cuba to Key West in Florida.
“I grew up in Cronulla Beach and leant to swim in rock pool,” she said. “It was love at first sight. Over the years I represented Australia in swims overseas but it
wasn’t until I was 15 and swam the English Channel that the true meaning of being Australian became more important and meaningful.
“When the fishing boat captain in Dover asked where I came from, he said.
‘You’ll probably make it, you’re a tough lot over there’.
“I got a glimmer of national pride when I raced in the marathon race in Manhattan in New York. I was in the middle of the Hudson River when mum put an Australian flag on the mast of our escort boat. Watching the flag through my goggles I felt I wasn’t just swimming for me, I was swimming for my country and my home.
“In one of my last swims from Cuba to America we had three flags on the boat – Cuban, American and Australian. I focused on the Australian flag, where my heart is.
“It made me proud, made me realise how much I love my country.
“It’s not just about calling Australia home, it’s an understanding of the history, acknowledging the traditional owners, our heritage, a pride in the diversity of people who come from other parts of the world and make it such a wonderful place to live in.
“How lucky we are to live here.”
“Citizenship is a common bond that unites all Australians, our rich heritage stems from contributions made by all of us,” said Mayor Clare Stewart who was officiating at the ceremony.
“Acquiring Aust citizenship enables you to participate fully in our inclusive society, realise your aspirations regardless of race, gender, religion language or place of birth. Citizenship lies at the heart of a national culture premised on all-round equality.
“Our country’s heritage is made richer by the contributions of people from many lands.
“This county gains immeasurable by your commitment today.”
Reading an official message from the Minister of Migration Andrew Giles Cr Stewart told the new citizens in making the pledge they were joining one of worlds most successful multicultural nations.
“We are united by a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law and freedom of speech, religion and association. Diversity is our greatest strength.
“We believe in a society where everyone is equal regardless of gender, faith, sexual orientation, age, ability or ethnic origin.
“Ours is the land of the fair go.
“By becoming an Australian you make a commitment to these values.”
