By Hollie Harris
THE Noosa Community gave a warm welcome to our newest Australian Citizens last week as the group was officially presented with their certificate of Australian Citizenship and a gift.
With Tewantin State School students performing ‘We are one,’ ‘Give me a home among the gum trees’ and the National Anthem, candidates from all over the world were emotional and proud to receive their new status.
Forty-one new citizens were welcomed at the ceremony, including Malaysian-born Rachael Tan (Siew Cheng Tan) who is the proud owner of a coffee shop in Noosaville.
“After five years of working hard and saving, I opened Pure Coffee on the beautiful Noosa River. I now employ other young people and give them an opportunity, just like I was given when I came to this country. I could not be more proud to call Australia home,” Rachael said.
Canadian Annabelle and Aussie Robert met while travelling in 2010. He went back to visit her twice before it was her turn to make the trip to Australia.
“It turns out our love at first sight continued and then grew, with the arrival of our first child expected in November,” Annabelle said.
She was given a fluffy Koala as a gift to her little Aussie soon to be joining the couple.
“I feel very lucky to live in this beautiful part of the world,” she said.
