Celebration: Cr Tony Marwood, Mayor Rob Amos, Emily Melville, Elisha Melville, Brian Melville and Uncle Rick Ronnan.
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Echuca welcomed nine new Australians during a citizenship ceremony at the American Hotel on Tuesday.
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Family and friends were in attendance, along with Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos, councillor Tony Marwood and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.
The ceremony was opened by Yorta Yorta man Uncle Rick Ronnan, who delivered a Welcome To Country.
Uncle Rick spoke about his life and earning a degree in education.
Powerful: Uncle Rick Ronnan addresses the attendees.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Cr Amos described the citizenship ceremony as one of the “most special things you can do as mayor”.
“For many of these people tonight it has been hard work for a long period of time while they contribute to our country and our region. And we welcome them to be able to confer on them Australian citizenship,” he said.
“Many of us were fortunate to be born in Australia. But the attendees here tonight have done the hard work to get here. Many of them have left their families and friends where they came from and while they’re here they have made their own family, along with children and parents.
“We welcome all the people who have travelled the thousands of kilometres from across the world’s oceans and have now made businesses, working in great jobs and contribute to our society.”
Some of the new citizens were thrilled at becoming newly minted Australians with Li Li, originally from China, describing her feelings.
New citizens: Kim Ling, Li Li, Joshua Ling and Johnathan Ling.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“ I was from China, and both countries have their good points. In China my family are there and in Australia I have a life I have built along with my family,” Ms Li said.
“It’s quite exciting. I think it’s a long journey. It’s the life I have built over 20 years where I am settled over the many years. Over that period my mind and my way of thinking and looking at the world is different, it has changed.
“We have a saying in China, where you have your family is where you have your country. I think the main thing is the people you love and that’s important.
“In Australia, you have a right to choose where you live. I think that’s the meaning of freedom. You have the right to choose.”
Emily Melville and her daughter Elisha officially became Australians.
“My life in Australia is so amazing. Because I’m able to learn in a job that pays well while qualifying in a course allowing me to work as an aged care worker. It has been three-and-a-half years where I have worked as PCA, and I feel like my life is very good,” Mrs Melville said.
“Living in Australia I feel very blessed. I have a great life as we’re not struggling as I have a good income.
“While I was a teacher in the Philippines. But my job in healthcare is much more fulfilling. I really enjoy the camaraderie of my friends, my co-workers and everybody else where I work.
“While the process for me was quick — only 18 months — my daughter, Elisha, can have all the opportunities that Australia will offer.”
Echuca residents Melly Ann and Flor Salico, also originally from the Philippines, spoke of their delight at officially becoming Australian citizens.
Welcome: Cr Tony Marwood, Mayor Rob Amos, Melly Ann Salico, Flor Salic-o, Uncle Rick Ronnan, Antonia Aben and Jheston Esyaben.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“When I first came here, I first had a student visa for one year while I was working towards a permanent visa, and then finally I was able to become an Australian citizen,” Mrs Salic-o said.
“I am so happy right now, next month I will be giving birth to my first child. I am expecting a boy and his name will be Sam. I have been living in Australia for seven years and originally I’m from the Philippines.”
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